Taking Liberty

Gabe Quinn #3

by Keith Houghton

AMAZON #1 BEST SELLING SUSPENSE THRILLER
Over 1000 Five Star Reviews for Gabe Quinn Series

TAKING LIBERTY - Gabe Quinn Thriller, Book 3

"When you're going through hell, keep going ..."

One man is on the hunt ...
One man intends to take his liberty ...
Only one will succeed ...

Imprisoned for the attempted murder of a federal agent, former homicide detective Gabe Quinn is keen to make amends for his mistakes - so when a gruesome murder forces his freedom, he is determined to do everything in his power to bring the killer to justice and prove himself to the FBI.

But the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the killer has something else in mind for Gabe Quinn, something that will raze everything he knows to the ground.

Drawn into a desperate chase against the killer's deadline, Gabe is forced to stand accountable for the decisions of his past and face the ultimate question ...

'Could you give your life to save someone else?'


AUTHOR NOTE: The events in this book follow on from those in KILLING HOPE and CROSSING LINES. To get the most out of the ongoing back story, I recommend reading Books 1 & 2 first before enjoying this book, so that events have a fuller meaning and the sub-plots make more sense.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Amazon

435 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2013

About the author

MILLION SELLING AUTHOR of the Kindle bestselling Gabe Quinn Thriller Series and the Maggie Novak Thrillers, including Kindle Store #1 books KILLING HOPE and DON'T EVEN BREATHE, as well as psychological standalone thrillers CRASH, NO COMING BACK and BEFORE YOU LEAP - roller-coaster reads with totally unexpected twists and turns - published by Thomas & Mercer.

More than ONE MILLION Crime Thrillers Sold.
100,000+ Audiobooks Sold on Amazon and Audible.
12,000+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Audible.
13 Kindle Store Number Ones and more than 140 individual category bestsellers.

Latest novel TOLEDO BEND is out NOW!

Visit keithhoughton.com and join his no-spam Murder Club list to qualify for exclusive reader competitions, such as free advance copies, signed paperbacks, and Your Name As A Character in a future novel.

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Twitter - @KeithHoughton

Reviews

[David Highton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third episode in the Gabe Quinn story and you really need to have read the first two. Still in the FBI, Quinn pursues the usual twisting plot with his life under threat several times. I found the narrative moved with some pace but actually had too many twists and turns to be a great story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful followup to the first two books in the series. Our favorite detective is back and from the very first page the action starts. The book is filled with typical Houghton style- twists and turns and bad guys taking on Gabe Quinn everywhere he turns. Some new characters show up in this book that add a lot to the mix and really flesh out the story line. If you liked the first two books, you will love this one. It is right on par with the others. You really should read the others before you dive into this one though- there is a lot of back story you would miss otherwise. A great third book in the series and I can't wait for a fourth!

[Jackmeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Liberty is book 3 in the Gabe Quinn series and what a great series it is, Gabe's life is a rollercoaster ride, he is put through the wringer, emotionally and physically. I read this book in two sittings, I really did not want to stop reading it until it was finished, still loving the writing style of short chapters, mini cliffhangers and great scene setting without being over wordy. So looking forward to another Gabe installment, I love Gabe Quinn and as a character he is up there with the best of them.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desperation is a logic suppressant. It makes us stupid. And stupidity makes us act impulsively.

This is the final book in the trilogy so I was expecting big things and couldn't help but feel just a tiny bit disappointed. To me this was the weaker and more frustrating book of the 3. There was just too many things happening that were far too unbelievable. Sometimes you have to sacrifice certain characters or make things more realistic in order to progress more nicely. It's hard because I want to keep this spoiler free but it's also hard to explain how I feel about it without giving away spoilers.

From the start I was confused. I felt like there was some chapters missing either from the start of this book or from the end of the previous one. It was kinda like we were thrown straight into the prison story with no explanation and then bam he is out of prison again like nothing happened. Gabe still hasn't learned from his past and still goes rushing into situations no matter the consequences. He frustrates the living crap out of me and yet he still keeps me glued to the pages wanting to know what's going to happen next. With The Maestro taken care of Gabe can focus on The Undertaker and Snakeskin and it isn't long before both of these character's are bought in to the story.

The third book saw an onslaught of new characters and I did get confused a few times over who was who. I loved the return of Mason Stone but didn't feel like we saw enough of him. There was also the return of Tim but again we didn't really get to see enough of him. I did enjoy the little bit of romance that was thrown into this one, it was nice to see that Gabe does have a somewhat softer side. I did enjoy the book but I think this series is definitely finished. I would love to see Keith Houghton write a book entirely from a killer's point of view. I will be keeping an eye out to see if Keith Houghton releases anything further.

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[Adam Teague · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Another roller coaster ride. Well done Keith, another top end thriller with twists galore and again (as always) an ending leaving you anxiously waiting for the next book. I thought that after two rip roaring books that we may have a slow down or come down in story and writing, but I was wrong. This is probably my favourite of the series so far with Gabe being such a great character and again the supporting cast were excellent. Like previous outings the chapters are short sharp and leave you wanting more, which is exactly what I like - it kind of reminds me of noir novels or yesteryear but with a modern angle.
Can't wait for book 4 - please don't take too long Keith.......................

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not really a fan of the "Crime Thriller" genre, mostly because I don't like being taken on a voyeuristic journey through gruesome crime scenes, but the protagonist, Gabe Quinn, in this series intrigues me. There is something about the way author, Keith Houghton, unveils this character's thought processes that grabs the reader's attention and just doesn't release it.
There are aspects of Gabe Quinn's future that are predictable (like another betrayal seems inevitable) but twists within plot twists are this author's specialty and he holds the reader captive until the final words... and leaves more questions rather than answers. Is there more to come in this series?

[Robyn Mantas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters to keep straight. My least favorite of the series.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Least favorite of the three -- a lot of characters and overlapping story lines. Tied up nicely in the last half of the book and I couldn't put it down.

[Lisa Grady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awwwww darn. This one was just too rushed. It was my least favorite and I felt like Houghton was just in too big of a hurry just to get another book out. He seemed to just throw a rush of new characters at us and then make them all inter connected just bc they new Quinn. A lot of this book was not believable and I've had a hard time from the start processing his son's motive for murder... "killing 1 to save millions?" Would a mentally ill person even need a motive and what "condition" did George suffer from? Is it Schizophrenia and how does ablow to the head make one become a serial killer? I don't know, I just found myself being a little irritated in this one as Houghton seemed to just be content on having us accept whatever he wrote at face value. I hope when he does get around to Book 4 he will slow down and take us back to the original GQ from moons 1 and 2.

That being said there are many things I have enjoyed in all the books. Houghton has a wonderful way with words and describing things using creative comparisons and memorable quotes. I also loved a small but powerful play on words that he used saying Gabe's love interest was his "RAy of Hope". These are the little things that I enjoy from his writing. I am also intrigued as a Floridian and girl raised in the South with family from Tennessee, how an author from Northern England can be so spot on with settings all over the US! Particularly Florida, and also really get the words and mannerisms of the Tennessee detective Gabe correct. I want to know more about this great author!
So all-in-all, I am looking forward to the next GQbut don't want to rush Houghton to just throw something together as I thought this novel did.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

Loved all these books, hard to put down, I’m hoping there is more in the future for me to read about Gabe! They can’t end it like this. I usually don’t read crime but this series was so captivating I couldn’t stop. Love this and would recommend to everyone minus kids.

[John C. Rohdin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking !

This being the final book available for this series, it was action packed to the end. The ending made it clear that the next book should be just as exciting. I can't wait.

[Cindy Jarand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Gabe takes us on a wild ride!

Many twists and turns from one point to another.
Just when you think you have it all figured out
Your proven wrong again and left thinking what really?
I enjoyed this book kept me reading until I couldn’t keep my eyes open!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww man this writer is awesome

Just finished all of the Gabe books... so good. Now onto whatever Houghton has written and will write. So glad I found this writer WOW. I can't say it enough WOW!

[Jennifer Bolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book.

Wonderful 3 book series... Wish there was more. The three books are fun and suspenseful with twist and turns all along the way. Waiting on the other Novack book next week! Love your work Mr. Keith. Thank You!

[bonnie kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Liberty

OMG. This is a great thriller. That's the same thing I said about the other books in this series. This is a must read series. I highly recommend this series. Can't wait for the next book in this series

[Penny Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I figured out part of the mystery early, it didn't stop the.intensity of the story.
Another great ending with twists.

[Aparna Dubey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got a bit bored with the repetition of the stories in Book 1 and 2. I think the main character has been sufficiently stretched in Book 3 and should rest after this for a bit.

[Angela Kitchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

overall themes in the plot very similar to the previous books. However, it did develop nicely

[ann marie chlupsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced. Like the main character. Not always believable, but he is different.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, stuck with the series to read them all. Figured this one out way too early as well. Again, about 1\4 of the way into the book. A lot of ridiculously unrealistic things happen in this book.

[Jill Wiseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the plot was interesting, I can't take the folksy too-cute writing any longer. I bailed 1/3 of the way in.

[Megan Janney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one.

I've read the whole trilogy in a few days. Couldnt put it down. A great vacation read - if you're willing to keep the lights turned on!

[mary barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense thriller!

Great murder mystery! Definitely had to read non-stop until the very unexpected end. Keeps you hooked with twists and turns!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Just when you think you've got it figured out....PLOT TWIST! The entire 3 book series was an incredible ride! Can't wait to read more!

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read lots of suspense/mystery/murder books. And I have to tell you Keith Houghton is one more fantastic writer. I have never guessed where any of these books are going. This is the 3rd in the series and the only thing bad I can say, where is the next one???? These books are a roller coaster ride. If you start one of them, you won't stop. Keith Houghton is now on the top of my suspense list. I just can't guess the many surprises that his books have in them..Every time you think you might have figured something else, WRONG!

Okay, about this third in the series. I do suggest you read the first 2. This book has so many twists and turns I can't write the review I want to without giving things away. Gabe Quinn is back and he is still after The Undertaker. Gabe just keeps getting better and better. The books opens with Gabe being in a prison/mental hospital where he has made friends with his inmate. But, the action never stops as when Gabe goes to check on his friend, he finds him with a knife in him, and guess who the guard finds leaning over the victim...Gabe. So now Gabe will be accused of killing his friend.

But, as you know with Gabe, nothing is ever how it seems. I don't want to give anything away as everything is a surprise after each other. All I can say, is I hope the next book is ready to come out. I am already missing Gabe and how is he going to get out of this latest twist!

Don't miss these books!!!!!

[Ian · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the life of me I cannot understand why this book is so highly rated.

It's only redeeming quality is that the plot moves along at a good pace, putting you out of your misery sooner rather than later.

The plot itself relies so heavily on coincidence as to be completely unbelievable, for example villain is shot on high-rise building, falls through window, is saved because he is wearing a BASE parachute?!!? Then randomly finds a dodgy doctor to patch him up who also happens to be a real bad guy ... leading the villain to integrate the doctor's demise (because the villain likes to stop baddies to) into his already overly complex plot to destroy our hero. Ugh.

The author also throws in the most random action sequences, for example the hero nearly falling to his death whilst handcuffed to a villain and is saved when the villain shoots through the hand cuffs, thus falling to his death and in so doing saves hero?! Or how about the cage of dogs that are conveniently housed at the villains home and tear a man to pieces when he falls into the cage, thus ridding the hero of having to fight yet another baddie.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn returns and takes us on another twisted journey. Between The Undertaker and Snakeskin, it is easy to have your head on a swivel going back and forth wondering for whom you should be watching. Add in a past lover, a frenemy, and a surprise roommate, and you have a recipe for something wild and unusual. We have seen piano wire, poison, explosives, and now we add arson. With a vengeance, I might add. Once again, I could not put the book down.

Quinn has real fears, realistic actions, and a psychological state worthy of years of psychoanalysis. Sometimes, I was left wondering where the line is between cop and killer. Perhaps we all struggle with the line between good and evil, and Quinn just shows us that in graphic, clear detail. His struggles as he tries to decide what to do show us how being pushed to the edge can change our moral outlook, and how difficult it can be to keep from crossing the line.

I highly recommend this book. One of the very best I have read in the past year.

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Liberty by Keith Houghton (Gabe Quinn #3)

Gabe is arrested, charged with numerous charges including attempted murder of his boss, Agent Sloan, and put in prison. His task, find out what an inmate knows about a human trafficking ring. But, as Quinn will tell you, death comes to those around him. The inmate is shanked and fingers point at Quinn as the culprit. Gabe is pulled out of prison by Sloan and is back on finding the Undertaker. A torched body has been found in a remote part of an Alaskan island. The chase is on. Houghton takes you and Gabe all over the country before it comes to a climax back in Alaska. You'll have to get the truth from the pages as you turn them yourself. Thanks for another great read and can't wait to see where Gabe goes next.

[Martin Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd in the Gabe Quinn series Taking Liberty is a well written tale of death and destruction from beginning to end. The story twists and turns taking the reader on a fast paced thrill ride never letting you guess what will happen in the next chapter never mind at the end. I would recommend this thriller series to anyone it's fast paced and difficult to put down. It was also a nice touch adding friends from Facebook and Goodreads into the credits at the end of the book.

[Chris Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Houghton. I really like the way this author keeps the twists and turns happening from start to finish. Just when you think you know the answers, something switches and now you don't. You are thrown in a different direction. Seeing how this book ended you know there's still more to come!