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The Recruiter
"Move over, James Patterson. Dani Amore has arrived." -Amazon.com
"A superb new thriller, a tour de force..." -bookiio.com
What would happen if a military recruiter refused to take no for an answer?
In this gripping thriller, Samuel Ackerman has one dream: to become a Navy SEAL. But after dropping out of the legendary unit's training program known as Hell Week, he is forced to become a recruiter in his small hometown. In order to earn a return trip to SEAL training, he must have a successful turn as a recruiter. As he soon proves, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
"Readers of Steig Larsson and John Grishman will love Dani Amore. Whether you fancy new murdery mystery novels, or bestselling crime books, this writer's prose is sharp and lethal. You've been warned." -killerebooks.com
"A superb new thriller, a tour de force..." -bookiio.com
What would happen if a military recruiter refused to take no for an answer?
In this gripping thriller, Samuel Ackerman has one dream: to become a Navy SEAL. But after dropping out of the legendary unit's training program known as Hell Week, he is forced to become a recruiter in his small hometown. In order to earn a return trip to SEAL training, he must have a successful turn as a recruiter. As he soon proves, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
"Readers of Steig Larsson and John Grishman will love Dani Amore. Whether you fancy new murdery mystery novels, or bestselling crime books, this writer's prose is sharp and lethal. You've been warned." -killerebooks.com
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2013
254 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Dan Ames
222 books492 followersDan Ames is an international bestselling author and winner of the Independent Book Award for Crime Fiction. He is the author of The JACK REACHER Cases. You can learn more about him at authordanames.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 12, 2016
Lacking plenty of credibility
The plot for this story was okay, though it took about half way through the book to realize how the plot line was going to work (before the 'recruiter' even enters the story).
The writing also seemed a bit overdone. As in if it was Beth's last chance to reach a goal, the prose would go on for two paragraphs about 'it was her last chance. She had to do it. Everything counted on this moment. She could not fail. That was not an option...etc for another two paragraphs.
But when the ASVAB came up and the author didn't get the acronym right (while writing a military based book, no less) it lost a LOT of points (it's the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, not the Armed Services Verification Ability Biography).
The plot for this story was okay, though it took about half way through the book to realize how the plot line was going to work (before the 'recruiter' even enters the story).
The writing also seemed a bit overdone. As in if it was Beth's last chance to reach a goal, the prose would go on for two paragraphs about 'it was her last chance. She had to do it. Everything counted on this moment. She could not fail. That was not an option...etc for another two paragraphs.
But when the ASVAB came up and the author didn't get the acronym right (while writing a military based book, no less) it lost a LOT of points (it's the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, not the Armed Services Verification Ability Biography).
October 19, 2017
The Recruiter - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The story of one man's hurricane of destruction through many victim's emotions and lives, while chasing his impossible dream - of becoming a Navy SEAL and/or a 'normal' family life of his own - will rip apart your preconceptions of what constitutes true love and how pure love can transform even the most degraded and helpless person into the best they can possibly be, to the benefit of all whom they interact with and cherish.
A searingly honest spotlight on relationships - between the bereaved mother [turned alcoholic], Anna, crippled basketball star daughter Beth, Beth's boyfriend/betrayer Peter and the handsome, enigmatic and deadly Samuel, as they interact with one another and outsiders who are drawn into Samuel's evil web - will enthrall and amaze you like nothing you've ever read before.
This book has it all - dysfunctional relationships, love triangles, murder, teenage angst, alcohol dependancy,the after-effects of bereavement, sporting prowess and loss of it, overcoming the odds, rites-of-passage, psychological manipulation, personality disorders, a serial-killer...you name it, master-creative author Dan Ames has it all here...in spades!
The story of one man's hurricane of destruction through many victim's emotions and lives, while chasing his impossible dream - of becoming a Navy SEAL and/or a 'normal' family life of his own - will rip apart your preconceptions of what constitutes true love and how pure love can transform even the most degraded and helpless person into the best they can possibly be, to the benefit of all whom they interact with and cherish.
A searingly honest spotlight on relationships - between the bereaved mother [turned alcoholic], Anna, crippled basketball star daughter Beth, Beth's boyfriend/betrayer Peter and the handsome, enigmatic and deadly Samuel, as they interact with one another and outsiders who are drawn into Samuel's evil web - will enthrall and amaze you like nothing you've ever read before.
This book has it all - dysfunctional relationships, love triangles, murder, teenage angst, alcohol dependancy,the after-effects of bereavement, sporting prowess and loss of it, overcoming the odds, rites-of-passage, psychological manipulation, personality disorders, a serial-killer...you name it, master-creative author Dan Ames has it all here...in spades!
December 1, 2017
This was a fast and easy read and kept you interested. The problem for me, was there were really no surprises as to how this one would end.
Samuel Ackerman, abused all his life, and now he only wants one thing..To become a Navy Seal.
This is his only dream in life. But one thing stands in the way. He almost makes it has a seal, but fails on the last test, he is forced to "ring the bell" and admit he won't be a Seal..But Samuel is not done, and can reapply. He does join the Navy with the hope that in 18 months, he can complete the Navy Seal training and become what he has always wanted..But, things stand in Samuel's way, and he is not one to let them kill his dream, so he becomes a killer.
The story is also about Beth, a basketball player, who is in her senior year and being recruited by all the Colleges..She has a lot to overcome, her father died at an early age, her Mom is now a drunk, and the only way she is going to college is get the recruiters to notice her..
So how do Samuel and Beth come together? Well that's the story and it is an interesting one. I think you will enjoy the book, there was a lot of action, but no surprise or twists for me.
Samuel Ackerman, abused all his life, and now he only wants one thing..To become a Navy Seal.
This is his only dream in life. But one thing stands in the way. He almost makes it has a seal, but fails on the last test, he is forced to "ring the bell" and admit he won't be a Seal..But Samuel is not done, and can reapply. He does join the Navy with the hope that in 18 months, he can complete the Navy Seal training and become what he has always wanted..But, things stand in Samuel's way, and he is not one to let them kill his dream, so he becomes a killer.
The story is also about Beth, a basketball player, who is in her senior year and being recruited by all the Colleges..She has a lot to overcome, her father died at an early age, her Mom is now a drunk, and the only way she is going to college is get the recruiters to notice her..
So how do Samuel and Beth come together? Well that's the story and it is an interesting one. I think you will enjoy the book, there was a lot of action, but no surprise or twists for me.
January 9, 2024
Note: The author name and photo on the cover don't match other copies.
The thrills on this one kept me engaged to the very last page, and I could see this as a movie. It's written in present tense which I found distracting but some may like that immediacy. A seemingly unrelated storyline to the synopsis takes up quite a bit of the first half of the book. I figured it would come into my play but found myself uninterested in that with no hint as to why I needed that information.
3.5 Stars and worth your time.
The thrills on this one kept me engaged to the very last page, and I could see this as a movie. It's written in present tense which I found distracting but some may like that immediacy. A seemingly unrelated storyline to the synopsis takes up quite a bit of the first half of the book. I figured it would come into my play but found myself uninterested in that with no hint as to why I needed that information.
3.5 Stars and worth your time.
December 3, 2018
Unforgettable
A thriller that does not stop thrilling! Edge of your seat suspense, a real page turner. The Recruiter is on a mission to become a navy seal, failing once he has turned deadly. Enter a drunken mum and a basketball star daughter Beth whose career has been shattered by injury. Beth applies to join the navy which now puts her in touch with the recruiter, a killer!! Highly recommend.
A thriller that does not stop thrilling! Edge of your seat suspense, a real page turner. The Recruiter is on a mission to become a navy seal, failing once he has turned deadly. Enter a drunken mum and a basketball star daughter Beth whose career has been shattered by injury. Beth applies to join the navy which now puts her in touch with the recruiter, a killer!! Highly recommend.
February 4, 2017
Super read
Action is non stop. Plot is superb and has many twists to it. The characters, are the best part of this novel. From a murdered Seal to a drunken mother, they all are an integral part to the storyline. The romance involved was fast and torrid. Believe me, this book is a lack of sleep adventure.
Action is non stop. Plot is superb and has many twists to it. The characters, are the best part of this novel. From a murdered Seal to a drunken mother, they all are an integral part to the storyline. The romance involved was fast and torrid. Believe me, this book is a lack of sleep adventure.
May 28, 2018
Op zich eens heel anders: vanuit het gezichtspunt van de moordenaar (psychopaat) en vanuit het belangrijkste andere personage. Spanning wordt langzaam (misschien te langzaam) opgebouwd en vooral het laatst wil je weten hoe het afloopt. Dit soort boeken loopt natuurlijk altijd goed af voor de "goede" en slecht af voor de "slechte", maar desalniettemin leuk tijdverdrijf.
December 13, 2017
Another Good One
I read, and enjoyed, all 6 books in the John Rockne series and thought I would try another Dan Ames book. While not earth-shaking, I found this to be a good entertaining crime novel and will read more.
I read, and enjoyed, all 6 books in the John Rockne series and thought I would try another Dan Ames book. While not earth-shaking, I found this to be a good entertaining crime novel and will read more.
November 28, 2018
Seriously Screwed Up
Really good book but my god, that man was totally crazy. Killing his way to be a Seal, and he probably thought it would work too. Had enough killing the adults he thought stood in his way, the young kid, was gruesome.
Really good book but my god, that man was totally crazy. Killing his way to be a Seal, and he probably thought it would work too. Had enough killing the adults he thought stood in his way, the young kid, was gruesome.
September 26, 2025
Awesome Ames
Dan Ames can create characters that hook you right off the bat!
His stories are always full of surprises that keep you engrossed to the very end.
I lose a lot of sleep, staying up to finish a book I can't put down.
Dan Ames can create characters that hook you right off the bat!
His stories are always full of surprises that keep you engrossed to the very end.
I lose a lot of sleep, staying up to finish a book I can't put down.
July 1, 2017
A little above average 3.25. However, Ms Amore needs more research into the military. Enlisted personnel do not salute other enlisted nor address them as sir or mam.
April 26, 2018
Ames, Dan
December 10, 2018
A Good Story
Full of action, twists and turns. Surprise heroes throughout. A young girl, her alcoholic mom and a strong story set in Michigan. Enjoy the action.
Full of action, twists and turns. Surprise heroes throughout. A young girl, her alcoholic mom and a strong story set in Michigan. Enjoy the action.
December 22, 2018
Intense
You can't put this book down until you finish. Well written with believable characters and an unusual plot. Would recommend this for anyone who loves great thriller.
You can't put this book down until you finish. Well written with believable characters and an unusual plot. Would recommend this for anyone who loves great thriller.
January 5, 2019
The Recruiter
This story was a good read, the only problem was a lot of really raw violence that could have been a little less.
This story was a good read, the only problem was a lot of really raw violence that could have been a little less.
July 1, 2019
Well written and a good read.
Read
October 30, 2019It was a quick read with action and some violence.
April 16, 2019
Recruiting can be deadly
Beth is an ace high school basketball player with offers of scholarships in the works. But in one second, her life changes forever as she's knocked down and her knee twisted unnaturally. Surgeries take care of the damage, but rehab knocks her out of running for scholarships.
At a different location, a Navy SEAL recruit washes out of BUDs training and deaths begin occurring. There are suspicions, but no proof, of who might be committing the murders. Samuel, the washout, is assigned to a small town recruiting office. He chafes as he waits to be able to try BUDs training again. He just knows it will be different this time.
A train wreck in the making occurs when the two cross paths when Beth decides that maybe a Navy career would be right for her, and she becomes Samuel's best shot at a recruit.
The story shows how simple decisions can have devastating effects. While I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, their behavior made sense when looked at through the lens of circumstances. These characters all needed to "take a chill pill." Between the raging hormones, the alcoholism, and the entitlement, the characters are living a modern soap opera. This is a very different book, very well-written, with memorable characters. However, it is one that I find it hard to recommend a target audience. It going to be very much a matter of individual tastes.
Beth is an ace high school basketball player with offers of scholarships in the works. But in one second, her life changes forever as she's knocked down and her knee twisted unnaturally. Surgeries take care of the damage, but rehab knocks her out of running for scholarships.
At a different location, a Navy SEAL recruit washes out of BUDs training and deaths begin occurring. There are suspicions, but no proof, of who might be committing the murders. Samuel, the washout, is assigned to a small town recruiting office. He chafes as he waits to be able to try BUDs training again. He just knows it will be different this time.
A train wreck in the making occurs when the two cross paths when Beth decides that maybe a Navy career would be right for her, and she becomes Samuel's best shot at a recruit.
The story shows how simple decisions can have devastating effects. While I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, their behavior made sense when looked at through the lens of circumstances. These characters all needed to "take a chill pill." Between the raging hormones, the alcoholism, and the entitlement, the characters are living a modern soap opera. This is a very different book, very well-written, with memorable characters. However, it is one that I find it hard to recommend a target audience. It going to be very much a matter of individual tastes.
June 26, 2014
This was my first Dani Amore book to read. For about the first half, I was really invested in the characters and story. After that point however, the book turned a bit sophmoric and I started to lose interest. I really was looking forward to a strong ending. Unfortunately, the story started to circle the drain with unbelievable scenes. Based on this one novel, I would not read more by this author.
July 11, 2014
Well thought out story line. I enjoyed the book and the concept was original. My one problem was that I think, or I hope, our government and police force would be able to figure out the "common link" much faster than they did in this book. I don't want to post spoilers, but I think the trail of murders had only one common denominator. But I do recommend highly, and would read pick up another book by Dani Amore if I ran across it.
March 18, 2016
Was expecting better!!
I work out most books before the end. That's ok. But this one did not gel. At all . The editing was ok for the first half but then it totally fell apart. the build up declined into a very messy ending. If you jump about character's it has to be cohesive. The talent is there. Just needs a lot of polishing. Sorry you have great ideas just did not ring my bell.
I work out most books before the end. That's ok. But this one did not gel. At all . The editing was ok for the first half but then it totally fell apart. the build up declined into a very messy ending. If you jump about character's it has to be cohesive. The talent is there. Just needs a lot of polishing. Sorry you have great ideas just did not ring my bell.
April 14, 2016
Wow
Great job, great read great writing, I couldn't put this book down. I couldn't even put this book Down to go pee. The sex scenes are so sexy they even turned me on. I will have no problems buying and reading more of Mr. Dan's books. He has a great imagination, or, wait a minute. Is this the real Dan here we are reading about. Sexy Mr Dan. I've never met a man in uniform I didn't love.
Great job, great read great writing, I couldn't put this book down. I couldn't even put this book Down to go pee. The sex scenes are so sexy they even turned me on. I will have no problems buying and reading more of Mr. Dan's books. He has a great imagination, or, wait a minute. Is this the real Dan here we are reading about. Sexy Mr Dan. I've never met a man in uniform I didn't love.
November 10, 2016
'The Recruiter' was interesting, believable and full of detail. The storyline was thrilling and well written. Samuel was what I would imagine a head strong guy would be when it came to getting what he wants, except with a homicidal tendency. Beth was a great character. She had so much promise and hope, even after her injury. I liked that she never truly gave in and kept above pity. A good book to add to your tbr list.
September 20, 2013
This book kept me interested but it will never go down in history as a great book. The ending is like a Hoover Vacuum cleaner...it sucks. Yes, that's how I really feel about this book. The good guy finally finds the girl in distress and they get away...STOP. UGH
Oh there is good news, it was cheap on my kindle :)
Oh there is good news, it was cheap on my kindle :)
January 9, 2017
Nothing and no one will stop him...
This book is about Samuel Ackerman, whose only goal in life is to become a Navy Seal. Having dropped out of training the first time, he will stop at nothing to ensure he gets a second chance.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and entertaining. I couldn't put the book down.
This book is about Samuel Ackerman, whose only goal in life is to become a Navy Seal. Having dropped out of training the first time, he will stop at nothing to ensure he gets a second chance.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and entertaining. I couldn't put the book down.
February 20, 2026
Another thriller that is a quick read but with plenty of twists along the way. While we may know who the killer is early in the book, who is going to finally stop him, and how many people will he kill before that happens? And if you suspect that someone may have committed murder but you have no proof, what do you do? These questions and so many more are answered in this story.
November 5, 2019
Another Page Turner With A Sports Twist
Dan Ames writes another winner. Although I'm an avid sports fan I seldom encounter and enjoy play by play descriptions about sports; a main character in the book is a scholarship seeking basketball player and I felt as though I was courtside watching the action !
Dan Ames writes another winner. Although I'm an avid sports fan I seldom encounter and enjoy play by play descriptions about sports; a main character in the book is a scholarship seeking basketball player and I felt as though I was courtside watching the action !
March 30, 2016
A typical serial killer story with nothing unusual about it until the very end of the story, the way Samuel met his end took me completely by surprise. The Recruiter is not a book that I will ever read again, at least not unless I had nothing else to read.
April 2, 2016
A Most Enjoyable, Scary Mystery
From the beginning, Ames builds on one suspense after another, leading the reader on through a number of twists and turns, each scarier than the last! Well worth the time to read it.
From the beginning, Ames builds on one suspense after another, leading the reader on through a number of twists and turns, each scarier than the last! Well worth the time to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews