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John Wells #7
The Night Ranger
When four young volunteers in Kenya decide to take a break from working at a Somali refugee camp, they pile into a Land Cruiser for an adventure. But they get more than they bargained for when they are kidnapped. They wake up in a hut, hooded, bound, no food or water. Hostages.
John Wells is asked to try to find them, but he does so reluctantly. East Africa isn’t his usual playing field. And when he arrives, he finds that the truth behind the kidnappings is far more complex than he imagined.
The clock is ticking and the White House is edging closer to an invasion of Somalia. Wells has a unique ability to go undercover and stir things up, but if he can’t find the hostages soon, they’ll be dead—and the U.S. may be in a war it never should have begun.
John Wells is asked to try to find them, but he does so reluctantly. East Africa isn’t his usual playing field. And when he arrives, he finds that the truth behind the kidnappings is far more complex than he imagined.
The clock is ticking and the White House is edging closer to an invasion of Somalia. Wells has a unique ability to go undercover and stir things up, but if he can’t find the hostages soon, they’ll be dead—and the U.S. may be in a war it never should have begun.
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
July 26, 2016
I liked this book less than the previous John Wells books, but not because the plot seems "smaller"--I actually liked that Wells isn't saving the entire world for once. The problem he's solving here seems to have a more realistic scale. Instead, I liked the plot, writing, and characterization less than in the previous books. Wells and Shafer communicate almost entirely by cell phone and nothing in this book advances the plot strand about maneuvering within the CIA. The plot also implies a conspiracy that's never really unraveled. One major character, Owen, gets a personality transplant midway through the book that could have been an interesting portrayal of how a retiring nerd chooses to become a leader, but isn't. Meanwhile, all the African characters talk in what sounds like Jamaican patois from a 90s movie, which is sort of understandable when they're communicating in English with Wells, but makes a lot less sense when they're having pages-long conversations with each other, presumably in languages they speak fluently.
Above all, I strongly disliked Berenson's portrayal of women--not ever his strong suit exactly, but not something any of the previous plots has lingered over much. In this book, there are three main female characters, two of whom drop out of the plot entirely: the comely kidnapping victim, the ugly but smart aid worker, and the savvy, sexy love interest. There is something deeply sexist about the reduction of these women into such stereotypes that is really beneath Berenson's previous level of work, and it's especially troubling when combined with the constant patter about rape in this book (which, just-so-coincidentally takes place in Africa). It would be one thing to have three characters of this type in the story--that would be fine in a page-turner like this. But Berenson doesn't use his narration to portray these women in any detail, instead he just flat-out says that Moss is plug-ugly in Wells's eyes. Rather than, you know, describing what her face looks like. None of the women--even the kidnapping victim who is a POV character--has anything resembling a mental life, at least, not one that extends to thoughts beyond her looks or effect on men. Gwen's inner monologue is patronizing and inane. It's hard for the reader to get really worried about this blow-up doll being in peril.
This goes on and on, page after page, and I ended the book liking both Wells and Berenson less than I did before reading it. I suppose this makes me sounds like a pissed-off feminist, but when this is the peek we get into the worldview of even a smart guy like Berenson, it seems there's a lot to be pissed off about.
This installment reads as though Berenson has a new editor, and that editor is Scott Thompson, the book's fratty jerk character. Since I actually have some faith in Berenson and actual-editor Neil Nyren, I'll hope for a better book next time.
Above all, I strongly disliked Berenson's portrayal of women--not ever his strong suit exactly, but not something any of the previous plots has lingered over much. In this book, there are three main female characters, two of whom drop out of the plot entirely: the comely kidnapping victim, the ugly but smart aid worker, and the savvy, sexy love interest. There is something deeply sexist about the reduction of these women into such stereotypes that is really beneath Berenson's previous level of work, and it's especially troubling when combined with the constant patter about rape in this book (which, just-so-coincidentally takes place in Africa). It would be one thing to have three characters of this type in the story--that would be fine in a page-turner like this. But Berenson doesn't use his narration to portray these women in any detail, instead he just flat-out says that Moss is plug-ugly in Wells's eyes. Rather than, you know, describing what her face looks like. None of the women--even the kidnapping victim who is a POV character--has anything resembling a mental life, at least, not one that extends to thoughts beyond her looks or effect on men. Gwen's inner monologue is patronizing and inane. It's hard for the reader to get really worried about this blow-up doll being in peril.
This goes on and on, page after page, and I ended the book liking both Wells and Berenson less than I did before reading it. I suppose this makes me sounds like a pissed-off feminist, but when this is the peek we get into the worldview of even a smart guy like Berenson, it seems there's a lot to be pissed off about.
This installment reads as though Berenson has a new editor, and that editor is Scott Thompson, the book's fratty jerk character. Since I actually have some faith in Berenson and actual-editor Neil Nyren, I'll hope for a better book next time.
April 6, 2017
An outstanding thriller set amid the refugee crisis in Kenya and Somalia
The biggest difference between a superior thriller and one that’s just so-so lies in the degree to which the setting and circumstances are inherently interesting — and in the research the author has done to bring them to life in a fully credible manner. Though others may best him in other ways, it’s hard to find a thriller writer who is more diligent or more ingenious at research than Alex Berenson, who is a former New York Times correspondent.
In The Night Ranger, the seventh novel in his John Wells series, Berenson casts a spotlight on one of the greatest tragedies on Earth, the plight of hundreds of thousands of refugees from the recurring drought and unending civil war in Somalia.
In most respects, The Night Ranger is a conventional thriller, with the doughty hero taking action against great odds to save humanity from great evil. In this case, he even gets to rescue two beautiful young damsels in distress, all the while his actions prevent another ill-considered invasion of a distant country by the US military. The action is virtually non-stop, and tension builds steadily toward a shattering climax, making the book progressively more difficult to set aside.
Wells, now ex-Army and ex-CIA, rushes to Dadaab, site of an enormous camp for Somali refugees in northeastern Kenya. There, four young American volunteers, working temporarily for a US charity, are kidnapped on their way to a nearby luxury vacation site. Having volunteered to attempt the young people’s rescue without pay, Wells teams up with his former CIA boss, Ellis Shafer, to take advantage of the agency’s electronic surveillance capabilities. As his search begins, Wells quickly learns that the situation is far more complex than he could have imagined.
What sets aside The Night Ranger from other thrillers set in exotic locales is the abundance of credible detail Berenson offers up, from a snapshot of Kenyan bureaucracy and a portrayal of Somali bandit gangs to discussions of weaponry and the tactics of hand-to-hand fighting. Alex Berenson knows stuff that few of the rest of us do.
The Night Ranger is a thoroughly enjoyable bit of escapist literature, with more than a dollop of education about the refugee crisis thrown in for good measure.
The biggest difference between a superior thriller and one that’s just so-so lies in the degree to which the setting and circumstances are inherently interesting — and in the research the author has done to bring them to life in a fully credible manner. Though others may best him in other ways, it’s hard to find a thriller writer who is more diligent or more ingenious at research than Alex Berenson, who is a former New York Times correspondent.
In The Night Ranger, the seventh novel in his John Wells series, Berenson casts a spotlight on one of the greatest tragedies on Earth, the plight of hundreds of thousands of refugees from the recurring drought and unending civil war in Somalia.
In most respects, The Night Ranger is a conventional thriller, with the doughty hero taking action against great odds to save humanity from great evil. In this case, he even gets to rescue two beautiful young damsels in distress, all the while his actions prevent another ill-considered invasion of a distant country by the US military. The action is virtually non-stop, and tension builds steadily toward a shattering climax, making the book progressively more difficult to set aside.
Wells, now ex-Army and ex-CIA, rushes to Dadaab, site of an enormous camp for Somali refugees in northeastern Kenya. There, four young American volunteers, working temporarily for a US charity, are kidnapped on their way to a nearby luxury vacation site. Having volunteered to attempt the young people’s rescue without pay, Wells teams up with his former CIA boss, Ellis Shafer, to take advantage of the agency’s electronic surveillance capabilities. As his search begins, Wells quickly learns that the situation is far more complex than he could have imagined.
What sets aside The Night Ranger from other thrillers set in exotic locales is the abundance of credible detail Berenson offers up, from a snapshot of Kenyan bureaucracy and a portrayal of Somali bandit gangs to discussions of weaponry and the tactics of hand-to-hand fighting. Alex Berenson knows stuff that few of the rest of us do.
The Night Ranger is a thoroughly enjoyable bit of escapist literature, with more than a dollop of education about the refugee crisis thrown in for good measure.
February 20, 2013
Love this series however TNR wasnt my favorite John Wells outing. Lots of unanswered questions and the ending felt abrupt. The epilogue did not feel like an epilogue to me..just a continuation of the book. I would have loved a confrontation with Thompson that explained the motive for him and Scott. Also, wasnt quite sure what the point of the "make-out" session with the weird lady was all about. Maybe to plant the seed that John doesnt have deep feelings for Anne and the return of Exley is nigh? Wishful thinking on my part maybe but I dont feel a connection between him and Anne. Shes boring. Also, I had a hard time connecting with the hostages. Just when you felt sorry for Gwen she turned into a "dumb blonde". And all the emphasis on their looks was distracting. What happened to Owen? He went from mild-mannered push over to violent mental case? Again, distracting.Scott is murdered right before their eyes and noone sheds a tear? I was also left jonesing for action at some points.
However, the dialogue between John and Wizard was hilarious as were numerous other parts throughout the book. I will always read this series but found this outing a little disappointing.
However, the dialogue between John and Wizard was hilarious as were numerous other parts throughout the book. I will always read this series but found this outing a little disappointing.
November 21, 2020
Wells receives an unexpected call from his son, asking for his help. Four American aid workers volunteering at a refugee camp in Kenya have been kidnapped and Evan believes John might be able to find and rescue them - so obviously, off he goes, never mind that East Africa is not an area he's familiar with and he barely knows where to begin. Meanwhile, some in the White House are considering using the kidnappings as an excuse to invade Somalia.
This was probably my least favourite book from the series so far, but I got into it eventually despite not caring the slightest bit about whether the kidnapped morons survived. Still, Wells is always good for an entertaining read.
This was probably my least favourite book from the series so far, but I got into it eventually despite not caring the slightest bit about whether the kidnapped morons survived. Still, Wells is always good for an entertaining read.
June 10, 2019
Change of scenery Wells story, with our hero traveling to East Africa - Kenya and Somalia - to attempt a rescue of four young aid workers kidnapped for ransom.
Good action scenes, with Wells' former CIA handler Shafer providing remote support and intel, with John's nemesis, Vinny, trying to hold off a military intervention.
Good action scenes, with Wells' former CIA handler Shafer providing remote support and intel, with John's nemesis, Vinny, trying to hold off a military intervention.
April 24, 2015
PROTAGONIST: John Wells, CIA agent
SETTING: Kenya, Somalia
SERIES: #7 of 7
RATING: 3.5
Four friends—Gwen, Hailey, Owen and Scott—have recently graduated from the University of Montana and decide to volunteer to help at a Somali refugee camp located in Kenya which is overseen by Scott’s uncle, James Thompson. The assignment does not meet their idealistic expectations. The Somalians are not at all grateful for their aid, and the work they do is not particularly fulfilling. The exception is something that Gwen Murphy decides to do on her own, teaching the children in the camp English, although that endeavor is not greatly successful either.
At Scott’s suggestion, the four decide to take a short vacation to an area near the Somalian border. They are captured by a rogue group who takes them to an encampment where they are held hostage. Their disappearance gets the attention of the US authorities, who send in agent John Wells to get them to safety. In the meantime, however, one of the hostages is killed and the others kidnapped yet again by a smaller force led by a charismatic young man, “Wizard” who holds them for ransom. Wells comes in and is able to negotiate with the abductors, coming up with a clever idea that may save the day. At the same time, he has to figure out who is behind these acts of terrorism.
THE NIGHT RANGER is the seventh book in the John Wells series. Wells is in no way a superhero; in fact, he is beginning to feel the effects of age. However, that doesn’t diminish his ability to come up with innovative solutions. The book was action packed. My only quibble had to do with the four students who didn’t have a lot of depth to them, with dialogue that was rather trite.
Although THE NIGHT RANGER is basically a standard international thriller, it is saved from mediocrity by the timeliness of the narrative. Certainly, we are all aware of the dangers posed by the country of Somalia, who have been in the news frequently for acts of ship piracy and kidnapping of their crews. The other aspect that was quite interesting was around a topic that has become quite a point of contention in the US today, the use of unmanned drones in a military operation.
SETTING: Kenya, Somalia
SERIES: #7 of 7
RATING: 3.5
Four friends—Gwen, Hailey, Owen and Scott—have recently graduated from the University of Montana and decide to volunteer to help at a Somali refugee camp located in Kenya which is overseen by Scott’s uncle, James Thompson. The assignment does not meet their idealistic expectations. The Somalians are not at all grateful for their aid, and the work they do is not particularly fulfilling. The exception is something that Gwen Murphy decides to do on her own, teaching the children in the camp English, although that endeavor is not greatly successful either.
At Scott’s suggestion, the four decide to take a short vacation to an area near the Somalian border. They are captured by a rogue group who takes them to an encampment where they are held hostage. Their disappearance gets the attention of the US authorities, who send in agent John Wells to get them to safety. In the meantime, however, one of the hostages is killed and the others kidnapped yet again by a smaller force led by a charismatic young man, “Wizard” who holds them for ransom. Wells comes in and is able to negotiate with the abductors, coming up with a clever idea that may save the day. At the same time, he has to figure out who is behind these acts of terrorism.
THE NIGHT RANGER is the seventh book in the John Wells series. Wells is in no way a superhero; in fact, he is beginning to feel the effects of age. However, that doesn’t diminish his ability to come up with innovative solutions. The book was action packed. My only quibble had to do with the four students who didn’t have a lot of depth to them, with dialogue that was rather trite.
Although THE NIGHT RANGER is basically a standard international thriller, it is saved from mediocrity by the timeliness of the narrative. Certainly, we are all aware of the dangers posed by the country of Somalia, who have been in the news frequently for acts of ship piracy and kidnapping of their crews. The other aspect that was quite interesting was around a topic that has become quite a point of contention in the US today, the use of unmanned drones in a military operation.
April 8, 2013
I've been a fan of John Wells (the protagonist of most of Alex Berenson's novels) for a while, but I found the latest installment in the series disappointing. I've grown accustomed to John Wells saving the world, or at least preventing a major disaster, but in this book his exploits focus on the kidnapping of three aid workers in Africa, none of whom are even terribly likable. It's as if James Bond got involved in breaking up a small-time check-kiting ring in North Dakota. Valuable work, certainly, but where is the evil genius residing in the hollowed-out volcano with dreams of nuclear annihilation?
That said, The Night Ranger is readable enough. It passed the time on a long flight back from Japan just fine. The story hangs together reasonably well, John is true to his character (cynical, brave, troubled, and just a bit reckless), and the usual secondary players (Ellis Schaefer and Vinnie Duto) play their requisite roles.
That said, The Night Ranger is readable enough. It passed the time on a long flight back from Japan just fine. The story hangs together reasonably well, John is true to his character (cynical, brave, troubled, and just a bit reckless), and the usual secondary players (Ellis Schaefer and Vinnie Duto) play their requisite roles.
March 3, 2013
Another John Wells thriller. I hate to use the cliches associated with reading, "I couldn't put it down", or "A real page turner", but with this book I found myself putting off chores to sit in my chair and read another 50 or so pages instead of doing what needed to be done. That doesn't happen too often to me anymore.
The only negative I have is Berenson left too many loose ends to this story. Some I can understand, he would address them in the next novel. The relationship with his son for example. As his estranged son's phone call was the reason Wells became involved in the search for the kidnap victims in the first place, I thought it odd that there was no communication at the end of the book. There were a couple of other instances but I'll let other readers form their own opinion on those.
The only negative I have is Berenson left too many loose ends to this story. Some I can understand, he would address them in the next novel. The relationship with his son for example. As his estranged son's phone call was the reason Wells became involved in the search for the kidnap victims in the first place, I thought it odd that there was no communication at the end of the book. There were a couple of other instances but I'll let other readers form their own opinion on those.
September 9, 2018
The Night Ranger was an excellent book, exciting, suspenseful and well written. It is my favorite Alex Berenson book (I think I have read the first six, but I'm too lazy to check) so far. To my mind, the only thing that prevented it from receiving the coveted five star rating was that it wasn't brilliantly written. Please do not take that to mean that it wasn't well written because it certainly was. I simply don't think that Berenson's writing, good though it may be, is in the same class as James Lee Burke or Daniel Silva.
I much preferred the storyline in The Night Ranger to Berenson's earlier works as it was far more plausible. John Wells, ex-CIA (c'mon, who isn't these days!) didn't have to defeat entire, well equipped armies single-handedly to save the world, but rather he went to Kenya to try to rescue four young aid workers from unknown kidnappers. Frankly, there are so many Mr. Fantastic saves the world books being written, that they are becoming pedestrian and a bit tiresome.
Berenson did a nice job of fleshing out the main characters, so much so that I dearly wanted to punch a couple of them in mouth - interestingly enough, they were not the bad guys but rather two of the kidnap victims. The leader of a marauding band, that was central to the story, was a beautifully written young Somali bandit who had named himself Wizard because he felt invincible. I found him to be the most interesting character in the story and his presence elevated the story from very good to excellent.
Each time I picked up the book, I was excited to find out what would happen next and, to me, that is the earmark of a well-written thriller. One need not read all of the John Wells books to thoroughly enjoy this one. In fact, my memory is so bad and it has been so long since I last read one that... well, you get the idea. As you might imagine, I have no trouble in recommending this book to anyone who enjoys a good CIA/Mr Fantastic going after the bad guys novel.
The End
I much preferred the storyline in The Night Ranger to Berenson's earlier works as it was far more plausible. John Wells, ex-CIA (c'mon, who isn't these days!) didn't have to defeat entire, well equipped armies single-handedly to save the world, but rather he went to Kenya to try to rescue four young aid workers from unknown kidnappers. Frankly, there are so many Mr. Fantastic saves the world books being written, that they are becoming pedestrian and a bit tiresome.
Berenson did a nice job of fleshing out the main characters, so much so that I dearly wanted to punch a couple of them in mouth - interestingly enough, they were not the bad guys but rather two of the kidnap victims. The leader of a marauding band, that was central to the story, was a beautifully written young Somali bandit who had named himself Wizard because he felt invincible. I found him to be the most interesting character in the story and his presence elevated the story from very good to excellent.
Each time I picked up the book, I was excited to find out what would happen next and, to me, that is the earmark of a well-written thriller. One need not read all of the John Wells books to thoroughly enjoy this one. In fact, my memory is so bad and it has been so long since I last read one that... well, you get the idea. As you might imagine, I have no trouble in recommending this book to anyone who enjoys a good CIA/Mr Fantastic going after the bad guys novel.
The End
March 9, 2013
Alex Berenson continues to write engrossing thrillers starring the redoubtable John Wells, who is again called upon to find victims of a kidnapping, but in this case, its young teenagers in Africa. Again and again, Berenson has had Wells involved in different corners of the world in interesting plots that do not involve your standard thriller tropes. Night Ranger is no exception.
John Wells receives a call from his son Evan in Montana. Four college kids volunteering in a charitable food relief effort in Kenya have been kidnapped by suspected terrorists, on their way by truck to a vacation at a resort. Evan is the friend of the sister of Gwen Murphy, one of the hostages, and asks Wells if he will go to Africa and investigate and find the hostages. Wells hops on the nearest plane, with is sunglasses and old and reliable gun and flies to Africa.
Berenson adeptly switches back and forth between the terrfied hostages and Wells, who first finds something fishy in the fact that James Thompson, the leader of the charity, who seems to be about to come out with a new book, and the Uncle of one of the teenage hostages, has a blank burner phone on him. Enlisting the help of his old boss Shafer, at the CIA, Wells becomes suspicious that the teens may be the unwilling victims of a money making operation.
Meanwhile the teens are being treated harshly, but not harmed and the story of their abduction has become big news. A local warlord, the very young Wizard and his band of White Men, who all wear white tee shirts, hears about the kidnapping and thinks the teens may be a way to make some money and thwart another warlord band led by his arch-enemy Awale. Awale has many more men and 12 technicals, pickup trucks with heavy machine guns on them.
Wizard's men find the teens, kill the teens' kidnappers and retakes the teens with the idea of selling them to the highest bidder.
Unknowing of Wizard's involvement, Wells and a local fixer, follow the trail of the teens' trip to the resort and come upon a killing zone, where hyenas are feasting on dead men. Soon Wells and his friend will come under fire from several of Wizard's men. Wells uses a cellphone found after the firefight to contact Wizard to offer a ransom for the hostage's release.
But deals with local warlords sometimes require more than money, and Wells and Shafer will have to get involved in a confrontation between Wizard and Awale, with Wells' life and the hostages at stake. Wells has offered the USA's help against Awale in turn for the teens' release, but suspects that Wizard intends to kidnap Wells.
There is a lot of hot action in this novel, but its also a story of Wells using his insight and military skill to track and bargain
Berenson has shown an admirable ability to keep Wells books fresh and interesting by limiting the stories to real world situations in the much wider world. Far from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the hills of Afghanistan, Wells stories standout in the increasingly crowded thriller world.
Its another winner.
John Wells receives a call from his son Evan in Montana. Four college kids volunteering in a charitable food relief effort in Kenya have been kidnapped by suspected terrorists, on their way by truck to a vacation at a resort. Evan is the friend of the sister of Gwen Murphy, one of the hostages, and asks Wells if he will go to Africa and investigate and find the hostages. Wells hops on the nearest plane, with is sunglasses and old and reliable gun and flies to Africa.
Berenson adeptly switches back and forth between the terrfied hostages and Wells, who first finds something fishy in the fact that James Thompson, the leader of the charity, who seems to be about to come out with a new book, and the Uncle of one of the teenage hostages, has a blank burner phone on him. Enlisting the help of his old boss Shafer, at the CIA, Wells becomes suspicious that the teens may be the unwilling victims of a money making operation.
Meanwhile the teens are being treated harshly, but not harmed and the story of their abduction has become big news. A local warlord, the very young Wizard and his band of White Men, who all wear white tee shirts, hears about the kidnapping and thinks the teens may be a way to make some money and thwart another warlord band led by his arch-enemy Awale. Awale has many more men and 12 technicals, pickup trucks with heavy machine guns on them.
Wizard's men find the teens, kill the teens' kidnappers and retakes the teens with the idea of selling them to the highest bidder.
Unknowing of Wizard's involvement, Wells and a local fixer, follow the trail of the teens' trip to the resort and come upon a killing zone, where hyenas are feasting on dead men. Soon Wells and his friend will come under fire from several of Wizard's men. Wells uses a cellphone found after the firefight to contact Wizard to offer a ransom for the hostage's release.
But deals with local warlords sometimes require more than money, and Wells and Shafer will have to get involved in a confrontation between Wizard and Awale, with Wells' life and the hostages at stake. Wells has offered the USA's help against Awale in turn for the teens' release, but suspects that Wizard intends to kidnap Wells.
There is a lot of hot action in this novel, but its also a story of Wells using his insight and military skill to track and bargain
Berenson has shown an admirable ability to keep Wells books fresh and interesting by limiting the stories to real world situations in the much wider world. Far from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the hills of Afghanistan, Wells stories standout in the increasingly crowded thriller world.
Its another winner.
September 8, 2015
The Night Ranger is the latest John Wells novel by Alex Berenson. Instead of Aghanistan and the Middle East, this time the action takes place in Africa, specifically Kenya and Somalia.
Alex Berenson is one of the rare authors who seem to get better and better each time out. This book is exceptionally well-researched. I felt like I was in Africa. The complexities of both everyday life and the political situation in Africa were clearly conveyed while also being smoothly integrated into the story.
John Wells is one of my favorite action characters. As it says in the book, “John Wells is awfully simple and awfully complicated.” He is not superhuman, bullets don’t bounce off him and he makes mistakes. He also makes choices that aren’t always the right or moral ones, but he questions those decisions himself and has to bear the consequences. He feels more “real” than just about any action character I can think of.
Berenson also makes great use of Wells’ former CIA bosses (Shafer and Duto) and his complicated relationship with them and their complicated relationship with each other. The conversations between Shafer and Duto highlight the political considerations that take place and the dichotomy between loyalty and callousness. With limited page time, these characters are very well fleshed out.
The plot and the action here are also top-notch. The plot moves forward steadily, punctuated with great action sequences combining both brute force and the latest in military technology. Berenson does a good job of conveying the limitations of both. You are left guessing as to what’s really going on and none of the characters are guaranteed to be safe. Some guesses may be right, but nothing is certain until the last page.
Exciting plot and action with real depth both in the locale descriptions and the characters make for a page-turning thriller. Alex Berenson is at the top of my must-read list and The Night Ranger cements that status. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.
Alex Berenson is one of the rare authors who seem to get better and better each time out. This book is exceptionally well-researched. I felt like I was in Africa. The complexities of both everyday life and the political situation in Africa were clearly conveyed while also being smoothly integrated into the story.
John Wells is one of my favorite action characters. As it says in the book, “John Wells is awfully simple and awfully complicated.” He is not superhuman, bullets don’t bounce off him and he makes mistakes. He also makes choices that aren’t always the right or moral ones, but he questions those decisions himself and has to bear the consequences. He feels more “real” than just about any action character I can think of.
Berenson also makes great use of Wells’ former CIA bosses (Shafer and Duto) and his complicated relationship with them and their complicated relationship with each other. The conversations between Shafer and Duto highlight the political considerations that take place and the dichotomy between loyalty and callousness. With limited page time, these characters are very well fleshed out.
The plot and the action here are also top-notch. The plot moves forward steadily, punctuated with great action sequences combining both brute force and the latest in military technology. Berenson does a good job of conveying the limitations of both. You are left guessing as to what’s really going on and none of the characters are guaranteed to be safe. Some guesses may be right, but nothing is certain until the last page.
Exciting plot and action with real depth both in the locale descriptions and the characters make for a page-turning thriller. Alex Berenson is at the top of my must-read list and The Night Ranger cements that status. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.
January 26, 2013
I received a copy of the Night Ranger through a First Reads giveaway. I have read one other book written by Alex Berenson. The Night Ranger was an excellent read and I found myself not wanting to put this book down. There was a lot of action and suspense. Unfortunately, I felt that that the book ended rather abruptly and I was left with a lot of questions.
November 4, 2021
A real page turner with very interesting POV of Gwen, one of the hostage. I really like this one especially the refugee issue and the growth of Gwen’s character.
January 23, 2020
An action packed rescue in Africa. Watch out for the Hyenas and Snakes!
March 27, 2013
I like John Wells more and more with each book, as I learn more about him. He's a man of high morals but also a trained killer. A hero for our time, a just man and, interestingly, a Muslim. Here, he steps in when 4 college grads working for an aid agency in Kenya for Somali refugees are kidnapped, and his son, from whom he has long been estranged, asks him to help. I found interesting his acceptance of the fact that his career has made him into a man who does this work--has to do it perhaps, even though he tries to retire. There's a lot of politics here, at home where his hapless boss at the Agency will be retiring to run for congress, and certainly in Africa, where lawless bands rule and money speaks. Sometimes at least. There's also the issue of all the press coverage of the 4 kidnapped Americans, while the plight of the refugees is ignored. Wells calls in reinforcements, a drone, through his Agency contacts but the contrast between the drone and Wells is fascinating, since Wells can almost handle everything himself, even when he's locked his gun his car. Great descriptions, a nightmare situation--we get the story of those being held by terrorists as well, an action-packed but issue-filled plot. Guidall is Wells. Lots of accents, and I like that he never overplays the dangers of the situations--and his telling is more powerful for that.
April 12, 2013
John Wells gets a call from his estranged son who he hadn't spoken to in ten years. He wants his dad, knowing he's ex-CIA, to rescue four friends, recent college graduates on a peace mission In Kenya, that had disappeared, obviously taken by someone.
Wells had seen it on the news, mostly people had assumed it was a Somolian terrorist group. The four had been part of a relief charity to feed Somalian refugees in Kenya.
Wells goes with little encouragement. Africa is new territory to him, but he quickly makes headway with the aid of contacts from his old days with the CIA.
It doesn't take him long to figure there's more than just some terrorists making a grab. And that's when things get tough.
Though this was the seventh John Wells novel, and I haven't read the others, it was not hard to get into things. Author Alex Berenson's style of writing made it oh so easy.
Wells had seen it on the news, mostly people had assumed it was a Somolian terrorist group. The four had been part of a relief charity to feed Somalian refugees in Kenya.
Wells goes with little encouragement. Africa is new territory to him, but he quickly makes headway with the aid of contacts from his old days with the CIA.
It doesn't take him long to figure there's more than just some terrorists making a grab. And that's when things get tough.
Though this was the seventh John Wells novel, and I haven't read the others, it was not hard to get into things. Author Alex Berenson's style of writing made it oh so easy.
January 27, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Another great book in the John Wells series! It was actually kind of nice having the change of scenery with John heading off to Africa to attempt to rescue the kidnapped aid workers. One thing I really like about the books in this series is that they always seem so well researched and this book was no exception. The details about the turmoil in the regions where John works really make the books and the storyline feel believable.
Can't wait for the next book in the series!
Another great book in the John Wells series! It was actually kind of nice having the change of scenery with John heading off to Africa to attempt to rescue the kidnapped aid workers. One thing I really like about the books in this series is that they always seem so well researched and this book was no exception. The details about the turmoil in the regions where John works really make the books and the storyline feel believable.
Can't wait for the next book in the series!
January 30, 2013
John Wells is asked to rescue four aid workers who have disappeared and are presumed kidnapped from a Somalia refugee camp in Kenya.
The story tells of the plight of the Somalia's and gives a good view of the East Africa area.
Wells is pretty much going it alone and accepted the request to find the aid workers because his son was friends with one of the families and asked him.
The sadness of the captives and the greed of those holding them is very well done.
Good suspense and descriptions with some well placed surprises along the way.
Highly recommended.
The story tells of the plight of the Somalia's and gives a good view of the East Africa area.
Wells is pretty much going it alone and accepted the request to find the aid workers because his son was friends with one of the families and asked him.
The sadness of the captives and the greed of those holding them is very well done.
Good suspense and descriptions with some well placed surprises along the way.
Highly recommended.
February 25, 2013
Four University of Montana college grads are doing volunteer work in an Africa refugee camp, when they are kidnapped for unknown reasons. John Wells's estranged son calls his father to ask for his help in rescuing them, and seeing a chance to repair a broken family, he heads off to help. Once there, he funds treachery and then has to convince a young African warlord to hand over the hostages by offering money and firepower. Berenson does a good job switching between the hostages, John's rescue efforts, amid hopeless Africa politics.
August 11, 2013
A nice return of form with Berensonwww once again showing the intelligence and allowing for a moral ambiguity that a couple of his past books missed. This time John Wells hauls himself out of bed to go sort out a kidnapping of western aid workers. What ensues is complete nonsense but enjoyable.
March 3, 2024
Another clever page turner with interesting characters from Berenson. I read it in a day
August 8, 2013
Great book, I could not put the book down, it was compelling and completly believable. I can't wait to read the rest of the books by Alex Berenson. Thank you for a fun ride.
October 3, 2017
I continue to really like these books featuring John Wells. This is #7 in the series; I have read 1-3 and only just recently discovered that I was missing 4-6.
Now he is no longer with the CIA and in a peaceful and stable relationship with a police officer. When some American aid workers are kidnapped, John's estranged son calls and asks him to help one of the parents. John feels an obligation to his son and a desire to try to get closer to him so he briefly consults with his old CIA boss and heads off to Kenya.
These books are true thrillers in every sense of the word and do impart some knowledge of Africa, even though John Wells is almost too much to believe; but then that is why I read fiction. I want to believe.
Now he is no longer with the CIA and in a peaceful and stable relationship with a police officer. When some American aid workers are kidnapped, John's estranged son calls and asks him to help one of the parents. John feels an obligation to his son and a desire to try to get closer to him so he briefly consults with his old CIA boss and heads off to Kenya.
These books are true thrillers in every sense of the word and do impart some knowledge of Africa, even though John Wells is almost too much to believe; but then that is why I read fiction. I want to believe.
November 17, 2024
Night Ranger is a good addition to the John Wells story. Filled with action and suspense, together with a good plot, this is is one of the best of this series. Berenson continues to delve into Well's personality, especially his conflicts with his son and his religion.
January 4, 2026
Was good, like this series a lot
January 28, 2026
Captivating!
July 17, 2014
Book 7, in the John Wells series
This series is wonderful and has stayed strong with idea and action stemming right from the news. This time, John our action hero after tackling bad guys across the world’s conflict zone may seem to be a bit weary but is no less as complex and satisfying protagonist. In “The Night Ranger” he enters new territory and goes underground in East Africa to track four kidnapped aid workers for WorldCares, deal with the thugs and rescue them.
What makes this series exciting is the author’s deep understanding of geopolitics and what makes it tick. In this one he deftly portrays how the aid industry is prone to waste and corruption. His fictional aid agency is well- drawn to show how an egotistic director could possible profit from being at the head. This story is a fast read with plenty of action that weaves both the complexities of politics and the everyday life in Africa. The prose is taut, the dialogue first class, so smooth. I love the characterization even the bad guys had strong personalities and they are supplied with all the modern gadgetry to entertain us.
This series is not boring or has become stale. The plots are exciting and fun to read there are no dull moments, a sure way to keep us interesting from start to finish. This novel is hard to put down it is so grabbing. Loved it.
This series is wonderful and has stayed strong with idea and action stemming right from the news. This time, John our action hero after tackling bad guys across the world’s conflict zone may seem to be a bit weary but is no less as complex and satisfying protagonist. In “The Night Ranger” he enters new territory and goes underground in East Africa to track four kidnapped aid workers for WorldCares, deal with the thugs and rescue them.
What makes this series exciting is the author’s deep understanding of geopolitics and what makes it tick. In this one he deftly portrays how the aid industry is prone to waste and corruption. His fictional aid agency is well- drawn to show how an egotistic director could possible profit from being at the head. This story is a fast read with plenty of action that weaves both the complexities of politics and the everyday life in Africa. The prose is taut, the dialogue first class, so smooth. I love the characterization even the bad guys had strong personalities and they are supplied with all the modern gadgetry to entertain us.
This series is not boring or has become stale. The plots are exciting and fun to read there are no dull moments, a sure way to keep us interesting from start to finish. This novel is hard to put down it is so grabbing. Loved it.
August 29, 2017
Set largely in Africa, this book was a bit different from the others in the Wells series. This in mind, I have to say, I really enjoyed it. The story, as always, in well-written and past paced, drawing the reader in. I like Wells more in this book. He is different from other spies/agents in books I have read, because, despite being a violent man, he is also thoughtful and not without conscience(Mitch Rapp...) The story centers around the kidnapping of four American volunteers, which escalates quickly and impending war against Somalia becomes a possibility. Wells is drawn into the situation and sent to find the missing youths. As always, I feel I learned quite a bit from reading this book.Berenson does a nice job smoothly incorporating a lesson on current events into a tight storyline. Another great addition to the series. My only complaint is that I wish there had been another chapter or so to tie up some loose ends(or at least what I considered to be loose ends.)
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
February 22, 2013
Four friends and recent college graduates are ready for
something different so they volunteer to work at a refugee
camp in Kenya. Two men,two women and each has their reasons for
being there. After twelve weeks they are ready for a break so
they pile into a Land Cruiser for a little adventure but they
get much more than they bargained for. They wake up in a hut
hooded with no food or water. Hostages. As a personal favor
ex CIA agent John Wells is reluctantly recruited by one of
the families to help find them even though East Africa is not
his usual playing field. Once he gets there he finds that the
truth behind the kidnappings is a lot more complex than he
imagined. The White House is edging closer to an invasion of
Somalia and if Wells can't find the hostages soon they'll be
dead and the U.S. will be in a war it never should have begun.
This is Alex Berenson's seventh John Wells novel and it's
another page turner with a good bit of action.
something different so they volunteer to work at a refugee
camp in Kenya. Two men,two women and each has their reasons for
being there. After twelve weeks they are ready for a break so
they pile into a Land Cruiser for a little adventure but they
get much more than they bargained for. They wake up in a hut
hooded with no food or water. Hostages. As a personal favor
ex CIA agent John Wells is reluctantly recruited by one of
the families to help find them even though East Africa is not
his usual playing field. Once he gets there he finds that the
truth behind the kidnappings is a lot more complex than he
imagined. The White House is edging closer to an invasion of
Somalia and if Wells can't find the hostages soon they'll be
dead and the U.S. will be in a war it never should have begun.
This is Alex Berenson's seventh John Wells novel and it's
another page turner with a good bit of action.
October 10, 2016
Another splendid story!
I think my favorite aspect of the John Wells books is that he isn't some kind of Superman. He bleeds, has doubts, regrets, and occasionally misjudges situations. Still he presses onward, driven by determination or maybe just stubbornness to complete his mission. It's refreshing to read a book set in such an austere environment, and the character development all around was really well done. I would like to see Little Wizard make a reappearance in a future story.
I think my favorite aspect of the John Wells books is that he isn't some kind of Superman. He bleeds, has doubts, regrets, and occasionally misjudges situations. Still he presses onward, driven by determination or maybe just stubbornness to complete his mission. It's refreshing to read a book set in such an austere environment, and the character development all around was really well done. I would like to see Little Wizard make a reappearance in a future story.
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