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Fatal #1
Fatal Exchange
Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition - ASIN: B0054M6PTY
Tess Gideon, a female Manhattan bike messenger with an appetite for the wild side, becomes embroiled in a rogue nation's Byzantine scheme to destabilize the U.S. financial system.
From the sweltering streets of Seoul to the sex-and-drug-driven underbelly of Greenwich Village, attempts at silencing a leak in an international counterfeiting operation leave a trail of butchery that leads inevitably to Wall Street, pitting a counter-culture heroine against a ruthless state-sponsored assassination team that will stop at nothing to achieve its lethal ends.
As the body count climbs, Tess is assisted by Detective Ron Stanford, a NYPD homicide specialist tracking a brutal serial killer whose ritualistic cycle of murder and mutilation targeting bike messengers is escalating to fever pitch.
Tess's battle to survive propels her into a deadly underworld where she must become judge and executioner, challenging her core beliefs about morality, justice and love.
Tess Gideon, a female Manhattan bike messenger with an appetite for the wild side, becomes embroiled in a rogue nation's Byzantine scheme to destabilize the U.S. financial system.
From the sweltering streets of Seoul to the sex-and-drug-driven underbelly of Greenwich Village, attempts at silencing a leak in an international counterfeiting operation leave a trail of butchery that leads inevitably to Wall Street, pitting a counter-culture heroine against a ruthless state-sponsored assassination team that will stop at nothing to achieve its lethal ends.
As the body count climbs, Tess is assisted by Detective Ron Stanford, a NYPD homicide specialist tracking a brutal serial killer whose ritualistic cycle of murder and mutilation targeting bike messengers is escalating to fever pitch.
Tess's battle to survive propels her into a deadly underworld where she must become judge and executioner, challenging her core beliefs about morality, justice and love.
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First published June 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 28, 2011
Fatal Exchange is a gritty,"edge of your seat" thriller by first time author Russell Blake. The author cleverly combines a well paced, CSI styled crime thriller, with a "no holds barred", plausible international conspiracy. The story centers around Tess, a spunky, misplaced bicycle messenger, tirelessly working the Manhattan courier, who becomes entangled in both conflicts. Set squarely in the sights of a elusive serial killer and pursued doggedly by a ruthless, clandestine interrogation/murder team, Tess weaves her way through both worlds, as everyone around her starts to fall victim to the two very different, yet equally deadly threats. Detective Ron Stanford is stuck in the middle both conspiracy. A youngish detective assigned to a "special homicide" investigative unit, he initially meets Tess through his investigation of a set of serial murders targeting bicycle messengers, and soon becomes enmeshed another set of bizarre murders popping up throughout the city, all linked to a mysterious transaction completed by Tess's father.
I felt like I was reading two parallel novels, each feeding into the other seamlessly. Even if you're not a fan of detective fiction, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. The international conspiracy aspect is equally represented, and the two genres blend beautifully. I never once felt tired reading this book, and the only time I found myself skipping ahead, was to find out what happened next, then I'd go back and fill in the details. The story is seriously compelling, and the characters are well developed...just don't get too attached.
Fatal Exchange is not for the squeamish. A demented serial killer and two Myanmar black ops agents that go to extremes to extract information from their victims...will leave you grimacing at times. However, there are plenty of breaks from the intensity, as Blake develops his characters and delves into their psychology and background. Even the killers are given human dimension, although disturbing. You will not find any cardboard characters in Fatal Exchange, which was a rare break from other books in these genres.
I can honestly say, that if I could find more books like Fatal Exchange, I would be left with absolutely no reason to read some of the "Brand" name authors on the market today.
I felt like I was reading two parallel novels, each feeding into the other seamlessly. Even if you're not a fan of detective fiction, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. The international conspiracy aspect is equally represented, and the two genres blend beautifully. I never once felt tired reading this book, and the only time I found myself skipping ahead, was to find out what happened next, then I'd go back and fill in the details. The story is seriously compelling, and the characters are well developed...just don't get too attached.
Fatal Exchange is not for the squeamish. A demented serial killer and two Myanmar black ops agents that go to extremes to extract information from their victims...will leave you grimacing at times. However, there are plenty of breaks from the intensity, as Blake develops his characters and delves into their psychology and background. Even the killers are given human dimension, although disturbing. You will not find any cardboard characters in Fatal Exchange, which was a rare break from other books in these genres.
I can honestly say, that if I could find more books like Fatal Exchange, I would be left with absolutely no reason to read some of the "Brand" name authors on the market today.
January 13, 2020
I enjoy books that move all over the world and also carry multiple story lines. This book fulfills both and also features New York City at the center.
March 11, 2018
Complex But Fast Paced Thriller
Review 20 December 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
Wow, this book has it all. Police procedural, serial killer chiller, financial / political intrigue, whodunnit...all rolled into one. Now, technically that should all add up to a stodgy and confusing mess of a novel, but no. What Russell Blake has produced is an exciting, well paced thriller which is not only gripping, but surprisingly easy to follow considering there are two basic main plots and numerous sub-plots with sometimes only the vaguest of interaction.
Bucking the trend, our main heroine and secondary hero are only moderately damaged, and neither of them possess near-superhuman reserves of strength or resilience. Both are engaging characters, though, and the bad guys are despicable enough all round to leave you in no doubt about for whom you are rooting. In some ways the ending serms a little rushed / anticlimactic, but it does at least address all the loose ends and close all the doors. Certainly not weak enough to downrate the book in my eyes.
Instead of trying to distil the plot(s) into four lines, which you can get from the official blurb anyway,, I'm just going to advise you to dive in, buy it and read it. I seriously doubt you will regret it.
Review 20 December 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
Wow, this book has it all. Police procedural, serial killer chiller, financial / political intrigue, whodunnit...all rolled into one. Now, technically that should all add up to a stodgy and confusing mess of a novel, but no. What Russell Blake has produced is an exciting, well paced thriller which is not only gripping, but surprisingly easy to follow considering there are two basic main plots and numerous sub-plots with sometimes only the vaguest of interaction.
Bucking the trend, our main heroine and secondary hero are only moderately damaged, and neither of them possess near-superhuman reserves of strength or resilience. Both are engaging characters, though, and the bad guys are despicable enough all round to leave you in no doubt about for whom you are rooting. In some ways the ending serms a little rushed / anticlimactic, but it does at least address all the loose ends and close all the doors. Certainly not weak enough to downrate the book in my eyes.
Instead of trying to distil the plot(s) into four lines, which you can get from the official blurb anyway,, I'm just going to advise you to dive in, buy it and read it. I seriously doubt you will regret it.
October 9, 2011
Written in the style of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle with more twists and turns then a piece of licorice this book kept me guessing to the end. I loved the interaction between the characters and the details of the crimes presented. I, of course, had it all worked out (not) but it kept me mesmerized throughout the whole book.
It was a joy to read such a book without getting lost or bored. The author kept things in order but still added the Miss Marple variety of down home detective and the ‘keep your eyes open so you don’t miss the obvious clue’ of the Holmes variety.
For an old fashioned just plain good who done it this was the best one I’ve read so far. I highly recommend it for this genre and may even go back and read it again to make sure I got all the subtleties the author was intending. I just really liked this book.
It was a joy to read such a book without getting lost or bored. The author kept things in order but still added the Miss Marple variety of down home detective and the ‘keep your eyes open so you don’t miss the obvious clue’ of the Holmes variety.
For an old fashioned just plain good who done it this was the best one I’ve read so far. I highly recommend it for this genre and may even go back and read it again to make sure I got all the subtleties the author was intending. I just really liked this book.
August 18, 2011
As this book started it seemed like two different stories. On one hand a high-end counterfeit operation and on the other a serial killer stalking bicycle delivery women. As the book went on though it became clear that these two threads were linked by a single person. It was a cleverly drawn out tale and I could not put the book down.
Be warned however, it is not for the faint hearted. There are some pretty graphic images of torture but they are well within the context of the story. I liked the character links, and the way everything came together neatly at the end. I was more than satisifed with the ending although sad as I had enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end!
All in all I heartily recommend this. A thrill a minute rollercoaster of a thriller.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
Be warned however, it is not for the faint hearted. There are some pretty graphic images of torture but they are well within the context of the story. I liked the character links, and the way everything came together neatly at the end. I was more than satisifed with the ending although sad as I had enjoyed it so much I didn't want it to end!
All in all I heartily recommend this. A thrill a minute rollercoaster of a thriller.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
September 8, 2023
Fatal book #1
This is an oldie I finally picked up from a long very long list of books I downloaded years ago. “Fatal Exchange” was published in 2011; definitely this book was overdue for my attention.
There are two storylines in this thriller that despite how different they are they work together well. First we follow a case of counterfeiting American hundred bills linked to the country of Myanmar where someone decided to take their cut to the US and buy valuable antiques with it. When Myanmar finance minister realizes it and sends a pair of killers on the trail of the money to get it back. No need for me to tell you how gruesome these hired hands do to their victims....the story describe this vividly. The author does not mince words.
The second story involves Tess Gideon, a bike messenger in New York. When someone starts to murder female bike messengers in a very gruesome way and at the same time she becomes embroiled in the counterfeiting scheme now she also becomes a target. Then comes to the forefront, Ron Stanford, a detective in the NYPD, to save the day and bring to justice a murderer who kills more and more quickly.
We have a very large cast of characters all with their own point of view including the serial killer as well as the Asian ones. No worries following this story the tempo stays steady, the language is clear and the narration makes every word come alive. I particularly like the short scenes that quickly change from character to character it made everything move fast. Not a dull moment in this gritty edge of your seat thriller.
This is an oldie I finally picked up from a long very long list of books I downloaded years ago. “Fatal Exchange” was published in 2011; definitely this book was overdue for my attention.
There are two storylines in this thriller that despite how different they are they work together well. First we follow a case of counterfeiting American hundred bills linked to the country of Myanmar where someone decided to take their cut to the US and buy valuable antiques with it. When Myanmar finance minister realizes it and sends a pair of killers on the trail of the money to get it back. No need for me to tell you how gruesome these hired hands do to their victims....the story describe this vividly. The author does not mince words.
The second story involves Tess Gideon, a bike messenger in New York. When someone starts to murder female bike messengers in a very gruesome way and at the same time she becomes embroiled in the counterfeiting scheme now she also becomes a target. Then comes to the forefront, Ron Stanford, a detective in the NYPD, to save the day and bring to justice a murderer who kills more and more quickly.
We have a very large cast of characters all with their own point of view including the serial killer as well as the Asian ones. No worries following this story the tempo stays steady, the language is clear and the narration makes every word come alive. I particularly like the short scenes that quickly change from character to character it made everything move fast. Not a dull moment in this gritty edge of your seat thriller.
July 15, 2011
Great read - really enjoyed it!
September 10, 2011
Excellent characterization. I needed to skim the torture scenes, but the story was nicely devious, two strands that ultimately met. Not my favourite genre, but a great read.
March 24, 2015
Fast, exciting and enjoyable read. Lots of action and intrigue. International mystery set in New York. Total escapism for the reader.
June 26, 2013
Very good first novel. A little too gory for my taste but defiantly a page tuner!
June 29, 2018
It’s a modern-day thriller/mystery.
Another country, Myanmar in this case, is counterfeiting American hundred dollar bills. Unfortunately for them, someone on the inside decides to take their own cut and takes a million of the counterfeit dollars to US and buys some valuable antiques with them. The fakes are so good that they get through an airport currency exchange office. When the Myanmar finance minister realizes what has happened, he sends a pair of very efficient killers on the trail of the money to get it back.
Tess is a former computer programmer who didn’t like working with tight deadlines in a cubicle at all. So, now she’s a bike messenger for Red Caps, in New York. She loves the freedom at her work, has casual sex with musician Nick, and doesn’t worry about tomorrow. However, someone starts to murder female bike messengers in a very gruesome way and she becomes unwittingly embroiled in the counterfeiting scheme and becomes a target twice over.
Ron Stanford is a detective in the NYPD, specializing in serial killers. He starts to investigate the gruesome murders of the bike messengers and is immediately attracted to Tess. But he puts his feelings aside and concentrated on the murderer who kills more and more quickly. He also consults on other strange murders which seem to be the work of a professional or a pair of professionals.
Despite how different these two storylines are, they work together surprisingly well. However, since the plots are joined only but a couple of characters, that means that the cast of characters is quite large. There are many, many viewpoint characters, including the serial killer and the two Asian killers. However, I had no trouble following the stories or the characters. Only one other POV character besides Tess is a woman and she’s seen very briefly.
Tess is an interesting character for the most part, despite being drop-dead gorgeous, like very many female characters tend to be. She’s living day-to-day, enjoying her life and not worrying much about anything else. In contrast, Ron has been through a recent divorce and is a career cop. Their courtship was thankfully very understated.
The book has quite graphic torture scenes, enough so that I skipped over most of them. The thoughts of the killer are also quite disturbing, which they should be. Then ending was perhaps a bit too easy and while the romance was understated it still managed to get some jealousy scenes. Also, the reason why the serial killer killed is left quite vague.
The scenes are short and change quickly from character to character which keeps the pace quick.
Overall, this was a good read, delivering excitement, mystery, and some interesting characters.
Another country, Myanmar in this case, is counterfeiting American hundred dollar bills. Unfortunately for them, someone on the inside decides to take their own cut and takes a million of the counterfeit dollars to US and buys some valuable antiques with them. The fakes are so good that they get through an airport currency exchange office. When the Myanmar finance minister realizes what has happened, he sends a pair of very efficient killers on the trail of the money to get it back.
Tess is a former computer programmer who didn’t like working with tight deadlines in a cubicle at all. So, now she’s a bike messenger for Red Caps, in New York. She loves the freedom at her work, has casual sex with musician Nick, and doesn’t worry about tomorrow. However, someone starts to murder female bike messengers in a very gruesome way and she becomes unwittingly embroiled in the counterfeiting scheme and becomes a target twice over.
Ron Stanford is a detective in the NYPD, specializing in serial killers. He starts to investigate the gruesome murders of the bike messengers and is immediately attracted to Tess. But he puts his feelings aside and concentrated on the murderer who kills more and more quickly. He also consults on other strange murders which seem to be the work of a professional or a pair of professionals.
Despite how different these two storylines are, they work together surprisingly well. However, since the plots are joined only but a couple of characters, that means that the cast of characters is quite large. There are many, many viewpoint characters, including the serial killer and the two Asian killers. However, I had no trouble following the stories or the characters. Only one other POV character besides Tess is a woman and she’s seen very briefly.
Tess is an interesting character for the most part, despite being drop-dead gorgeous, like very many female characters tend to be. She’s living day-to-day, enjoying her life and not worrying much about anything else. In contrast, Ron has been through a recent divorce and is a career cop. Their courtship was thankfully very understated.
The book has quite graphic torture scenes, enough so that I skipped over most of them. The thoughts of the killer are also quite disturbing, which they should be. Then ending was perhaps a bit too easy and while the romance was understated it still managed to get some jealousy scenes. Also, the reason why the serial killer killed is left quite vague.
The scenes are short and change quickly from character to character which keeps the pace quick.
Overall, this was a good read, delivering excitement, mystery, and some interesting characters.
July 27, 2019
A Tail of Counterfeiting, Treason, Escape & Separation & Murder
What else could you want from Russell Blake?
Someone's killing bike messenger girls. The police have no leads but one of the girls has her father tortured and murdered in his watch shop as his daughter does a banking errand for him. People she's close to keep dying around her. Tess one of the more attractive messenger girls, thinks she may be next. Only she thinks she may be a target for the ones who tortured and murdered her father as well as one of the bike messenger girls.
What else could you want from Russell Blake?
Someone's killing bike messenger girls. The police have no leads but one of the girls has her father tortured and murdered in his watch shop as his daughter does a banking errand for him. People she's close to keep dying around her. Tess one of the more attractive messenger girls, thinks she may be next. Only she thinks she may be a target for the ones who tortured and murdered her father as well as one of the bike messenger girls.
June 22, 2019
Another great story
How does Blake come up with these intricate plots that keep the reader on the edge of the seat? The characters are well defined and I have really enjoyed reading every book that I have encountered so far: the Jet series, the Assassin series and now the Fatal series. Thank you Mr Blake for allowing me to escape into stories that are e exciting and fun, despite the overt violence. The courage of Jet. Tess and Capitan Cruz is rewarding.
How does Blake come up with these intricate plots that keep the reader on the edge of the seat? The characters are well defined and I have really enjoyed reading every book that I have encountered so far: the Jet series, the Assassin series and now the Fatal series. Thank you Mr Blake for allowing me to escape into stories that are e exciting and fun, despite the overt violence. The courage of Jet. Tess and Capitan Cruz is rewarding.
July 29, 2019
This book is one of thirty-something freebies I downloaded en masse; it is very interesting in some ways - interesting plot and characters. It is also a little boring in that it gets bogged down in technicalities at times. The political intrigue and the level of violence were unappealing to me. The book is, overall, well written and edited, although the word discrete is used several times when discreet was intended.
October 13, 2020
When I started the read the book seemed like two books in one. It started like two different stories. One a high-end counterfeit operation and the other a serial killer stalking bicycle delivery women.
As the book went on though it became clear these two threads were linked by a single character. It was a well drawn out story that kept you guessing. A lot of suspense with a barn burner ending. This was a book I hated to see end! Had to start the 2nd book of the series since the first was like watching a movie!
As the book went on though it became clear these two threads were linked by a single character. It was a well drawn out story that kept you guessing. A lot of suspense with a barn burner ending. This was a book I hated to see end! Had to start the 2nd book of the series since the first was like watching a movie!
May 23, 2025
This was another book club pick, and I was definitely pleasantly surprised. There were a lot of typos that I found throughout that made it kind of hard to read sometimes, but other than that I enjoyed it!
There were some very dark and gloomy scenes in this book, but it peaked my interest and the overall storyline was entertaining. I felt like I was reading something featured on Criminal Minds and I really enjoyed that.
There were some very dark and gloomy scenes in this book, but it peaked my interest and the overall storyline was entertaining. I felt like I was reading something featured on Criminal Minds and I really enjoyed that.
May 29, 2019
Tess is an average woman who becomes an AWESOME woman
Life is NOT fair as we all know. Through twists and turns Tess becomes your new bestie. She’s survived so much. I can’t wait to read the next book. I am wishing that this series had additional books. I am addicted to author and must read all series.
Life is NOT fair as we all know. Through twists and turns Tess becomes your new bestie. She’s survived so much. I can’t wait to read the next book. I am wishing that this series had additional books. I am addicted to author and must read all series.
July 20, 2019
I am not a fan of starting a bunch of chapters and introducing all kinds of characters, letting the reader figure it out. There is no immediate hook to capture you. When it finely gets going Tess is an important character and Blake writes a good story, now keeping it moving. After all that I enjoyed the book. 5
August 28, 2019
A real page turner
Not the kind of book to read if you're squeamish,BUT.......if you're not, and enjoy a fast moving,fascinating and we'll written novel ,then this is the one for you. I couldn't put the the darn thing down!!!
Well done Russell Blake. I am now on book 2. Then it will be book 3, then ......you've guessed it.
Not the kind of book to read if you're squeamish,BUT.......if you're not, and enjoy a fast moving,fascinating and we'll written novel ,then this is the one for you. I couldn't put the the darn thing down!!!
Well done Russell Blake. I am now on book 2. Then it will be book 3, then ......you've guessed it.
May 17, 2020
I enjoyed
This was a book that I struggled with at the beginning because there seemed to be several separate stories going on without a connection and I really had a problem for a while navigating. Luckily when I finally connected the dots, I loved the characters and the mystery and the whole story. Great author!!
This was a book that I struggled with at the beginning because there seemed to be several separate stories going on without a connection and I really had a problem for a while navigating. Luckily when I finally connected the dots, I loved the characters and the mystery and the whole story. Great author!!
October 16, 2023
Gripping
This was a truly gripping book. There were also grisly parts in it that, although hard to read, were completely realistic because of the plot and the players. Tess went from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other with panache. She ended up one of the shrewdest heroines I’ve seen and I am picking up the next installment right away.
This was a truly gripping book. There were also grisly parts in it that, although hard to read, were completely realistic because of the plot and the players. Tess went from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other with panache. She ended up one of the shrewdest heroines I’ve seen and I am picking up the next installment right away.
May 25, 2018
Multiple twists and Plot
Really loved this multifaceted plot and characters Wall Street swindle, psycho serial killer, seamy side of New York and Treason by way of counterfeit dollars. Highly recommend
Really loved this multifaceted plot and characters Wall Street swindle, psycho serial killer, seamy side of New York and Treason by way of counterfeit dollars. Highly recommend
October 4, 2019
Absolutely LOVED this novel! First read with this author and I am hooked. Can't wait to read another one of his books! Non stop action, horror, lovable characters, etc. What a book!!! Highly recommend adding this one to your to read list!
December 27, 2019
A Must Read!
This is the book that you literally don't want to end. Russell Blake filled every chapter with thrills, adventure, a possible love story and murder. Will he find the killer in time to safe the next life, will the tortured get justice? A Must Read!!
This is the book that you literally don't want to end. Russell Blake filled every chapter with thrills, adventure, a possible love story and murder. Will he find the killer in time to safe the next life, will the tortured get justice? A Must Read!!
December 31, 2021
Excellent
This was an intriguing, enjoyable and entertaining read, with interesting characters and an incredible plot. Russell Blake is a talented author and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
This was an intriguing, enjoyable and entertaining read, with interesting characters and an incredible plot. Russell Blake is a talented author and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 7, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so . Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so . Shelley MA
September 23, 2018
Cracking
A fab tale filled with intrigue and villainy.
Fast paced and flows great despite following so many different paths to the central plot.
I loved this.
A fab tale filled with intrigue and villainy.
Fast paced and flows great despite following so many different paths to the central plot.
I loved this.
January 20, 2019
Amazing read
This book is hard to put down, well placed great character. development and I enjoyed all the little twist and turn s
This book is hard to put down, well placed great character. development and I enjoyed all the little twist and turn s
November 23, 2019
A hit
Knocked it out of the park with this one. A page turner from start to finish. Bravo to the author.
Knocked it out of the park with this one. A page turner from start to finish. Bravo to the author.
December 10, 2019
Bicker chick murders
This story is very entertaining and very will written. The characters are all fully developed, the plot and storyline are both great.
This story is very entertaining and very will written. The characters are all fully developed, the plot and storyline are both great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews