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Jonathan Grave #5.5
Soft Targets
Four children's lives hang in the balance. A vicious criminal is on the loose. With law enforcement at a dead end, there's only one man who can recover the hostages--Jonathan Grave.
FBI Special Agent Irene Rivers is horrified to learn that because of mistakes made by agents under her command, a murderer and child molester will walk free. When Irene's own daughters become the monster's next targets, she reaches out in desperation to an elite Special Forces operator. His name is Jonathan Grave. For Grave, results matter more than procedures. Together, they discover a new kind of justice--and a new breed of evil. . .
40,000 Words
FBI Special Agent Irene Rivers is horrified to learn that because of mistakes made by agents under her command, a murderer and child molester will walk free. When Irene's own daughters become the monster's next targets, she reaches out in desperation to an elite Special Forces operator. His name is Jonathan Grave. For Grave, results matter more than procedures. Together, they discover a new kind of justice--and a new breed of evil. . .
40,000 Words
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
260 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
79 books1,215 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 11, 2020
One of the best .5 novellas I think I have ever read. This actually gave us more of Dom and Wolverine’s back story than Scorpion and Big Guy. Nice work by Gilstrap as always.
June 3, 2015
While I like the Jonathan Grave series, this in-between novella did very little for me. It provides the back story for his meeting FBI Director Irene Rivers, whose daughters are kidnapped after some of her agents allow a murderer and child rapist to go free. Frantic, she reaches out to a priest friend, who connects her with Digger et al. I found the early version of Irene to have a serious problem of passive-aggressive. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
August 27, 2017
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent (5.5 stars)!
I loved the focus on the earlier Irene Rivers (the FBI director in the series). In future books, I'll have a backstory for Rivers, instead of a woman who shows up for a few chapters to move the book along and provide cover for Grave. I really enjoy books that have a personal element. The action is great, but without something deeper between and among the characters, action/adventure and thriller books become a chain of violent acts with no value. Getting to know Rivers on a personal level will surely make the rest of the series better.
I found the novella length surprisingly refreshing. It was fast-paced and kept me reading and reading, until I was done a week later. Soft Targets is highly recommended.
I loved the focus on the earlier Irene Rivers (the FBI director in the series). In future books, I'll have a backstory for Rivers, instead of a woman who shows up for a few chapters to move the book along and provide cover for Grave. I really enjoy books that have a personal element. The action is great, but without something deeper between and among the characters, action/adventure and thriller books become a chain of violent acts with no value. Getting to know Rivers on a personal level will surely make the rest of the series better.
I found the novella length surprisingly refreshing. It was fast-paced and kept me reading and reading, until I was done a week later. Soft Targets is highly recommended.
February 13, 2023
Audiobook Review - Excellent short story of the Jonathan Grave character...wish it was longer. Really good read! Four children’s lives hang in the balance. A vicious criminal is on the loose. With law enforcement at a dead end, there’s only one man who can recover the hostages—Jonathan Grave. FBI Special Agent Irene Rivers is horrified to learn that because of mistakes made by agents under her command, a murderer and child molester will walk free. When Irene’s own daughters become the monster’s next targets, she reaches out in desperation to an elite Special Forces operator. His name is Jonathan Grave. For Grave, results matter more than procedures. Together, they discover a new kind of justice—and a new breed of evil… John Gilstrap's writing is outstanding and so was Basil Sands narration!
October 11, 2013
As a fan of John Gilstrap and his Jonathan Grave action-thrillers, I loved learning the backstory of how Digger and Boxers started their hostage rescue business. It is not easy to tell a story that predates your current series, but Gilstrap stayed true to the characters while making them younger but still as effective. He even slipped in the right amount of now outdated equipment. In reading that the FBI director didn't have a cell phone and had to use a pay phone made me wonder just how covert operations ever came together.
This is a great side-story of how Irene Rivers first met Digger and Boxers and insight to what led them to where they are today.
I hope there are more short stories in the future.
Victoria Allman
Author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
This is a great side-story of how Irene Rivers first met Digger and Boxers and insight to what led them to where they are today.
I hope there are more short stories in the future.
Victoria Allman
Author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
January 16, 2021
Neat little short story where we get to see some of the beginning of Jonathans business. Also we get to see the first meeting with "Wolverine"
November 6, 2015
Reviewed by Justin
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Everyone loves a good action story. Whether it’s a hunk killing some terrorists on the big screen, or a young wizard finally slaying the evil sorcerer who also slayed his parents, action grips us at our core. It excites, scares, and thrills us. Soft Targets by John Gilstrap is no exception.
This story follows an FBI Special Agent searching for her kidnapped girls. She gets introduced to two hulking special forces types who quickly decide that she is worth helping, and who lend a brutal aspect to the book. Early on, our main character is forced with a dilemma: do what is right, or uphold the law. Much of the book is centered around this.
The author definitely did not pull punches on this novel. It is face-paced, with not a dry moment in sight. Constant movement occurs and you will not find yourself bored. There are moments other authors would shy away from, such as the killing of a hostage by the good guys; but these moments only add to the story and lend credence to the supporting characters. There is a fair share of gore and bloodshed – not excessive, mind you – but it feels like the perfect amount for a book of this genre.
With that said, however, I have two large gripes about this book, both of which are related. The first is this: the characters remain very static throughout the whole of the novel. The only time it feels like a character bursts out of their static prison is when the main character is forced to choose between rescuing her daughters at all cost or upholding her oath to the law; this mostly happens towards the mid-beginning of the book, and she remains unchanged through most of it.
Also, it does read and feel like a prologue. This is the prequel to a series, showing how the protagonist met her two special forces friends, but if you just pick up the book off of a shelf you might be left feeling a little left out.
If you are looking for naught but action where the good guy wins in the end, this book is for you. If you aren’t willing to invest in the overarching narrative with the other books, and enjoy watching characters grow, I’d recommend you look elsewhere. If you are just looking for an action packed afternoon, while lazing about your favorite couch, I’d definitely say this is a great book to pick up.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Everyone loves a good action story. Whether it’s a hunk killing some terrorists on the big screen, or a young wizard finally slaying the evil sorcerer who also slayed his parents, action grips us at our core. It excites, scares, and thrills us. Soft Targets by John Gilstrap is no exception.
This story follows an FBI Special Agent searching for her kidnapped girls. She gets introduced to two hulking special forces types who quickly decide that she is worth helping, and who lend a brutal aspect to the book. Early on, our main character is forced with a dilemma: do what is right, or uphold the law. Much of the book is centered around this.
The author definitely did not pull punches on this novel. It is face-paced, with not a dry moment in sight. Constant movement occurs and you will not find yourself bored. There are moments other authors would shy away from, such as the killing of a hostage by the good guys; but these moments only add to the story and lend credence to the supporting characters. There is a fair share of gore and bloodshed – not excessive, mind you – but it feels like the perfect amount for a book of this genre.
With that said, however, I have two large gripes about this book, both of which are related. The first is this: the characters remain very static throughout the whole of the novel. The only time it feels like a character bursts out of their static prison is when the main character is forced to choose between rescuing her daughters at all cost or upholding her oath to the law; this mostly happens towards the mid-beginning of the book, and she remains unchanged through most of it.
Also, it does read and feel like a prologue. This is the prequel to a series, showing how the protagonist met her two special forces friends, but if you just pick up the book off of a shelf you might be left feeling a little left out.
If you are looking for naught but action where the good guy wins in the end, this book is for you. If you aren’t willing to invest in the overarching narrative with the other books, and enjoy watching characters grow, I’d recommend you look elsewhere. If you are just looking for an action packed afternoon, while lazing about your favorite couch, I’d definitely say this is a great book to pick up.
August 2, 2022
Great read.
I often skip prequels because it's water under the bridge, but Im glad I bough this one. Gilstrap is one of the few authors I pay (outside of my Kindle unlimited subscription) to read. The novella is short, but well written. The characters are exactly who I expected having read all the books in the series. The banter and interaction are spot on. Nothing is forced. Editing as always is great! My only critique is that the book is too short.
I often skip prequels because it's water under the bridge, but Im glad I bough this one. Gilstrap is one of the few authors I pay (outside of my Kindle unlimited subscription) to read. The novella is short, but well written. The characters are exactly who I expected having read all the books in the series. The banter and interaction are spot on. Nothing is forced. Editing as always is great! My only critique is that the book is too short.
September 7, 2024
John Gilstrap is one of my favorite writers. I especially like the books about Victoria Emerson :)
I've read the previous books in this series. Some of them have too much information about weapons for me.
I'm really glad to have got the backstory of how Irene, FBI director became friends with Jonathan Graves and Boxer. This Audible book was 3.5 hours long but a lot happened! It felt more like a "real" book.
Several of the books are free if you have Audible.
I've read the previous books in this series. Some of them have too much information about weapons for me.
I'm really glad to have got the backstory of how Irene, FBI director became friends with Jonathan Graves and Boxer. This Audible book was 3.5 hours long but a lot happened! It felt more like a "real" book.
Several of the books are free if you have Audible.
August 1, 2019
Good introduction to Graves & Big Guy
A fun/quick read which serves as a good introduction to Jonathan Graves & Big Guy. I’ve read several other titles by this author & always look forward to new works. He’s definitely gotten better at telling stories, certainly letting the characters develop more completely.
A fun/quick read which serves as a good introduction to Jonathan Graves & Big Guy. I’ve read several other titles by this author & always look forward to new works. He’s definitely gotten better at telling stories, certainly letting the characters develop more completely.
May 11, 2022
A short ebook novella with Irene Rivers back story
Part of the Jonathan Grave series, this ebook novella provides an action packed overview of how Irene Rivers (Wolverine) and Jonathan Grave (Digger) first met. It’s a quick read and a worthwhile addition to the series. Highly recommended
Part of the Jonathan Grave series, this ebook novella provides an action packed overview of how Irene Rivers (Wolverine) and Jonathan Grave (Digger) first met. It’s a quick read and a worthwhile addition to the series. Highly recommended
April 12, 2023
Worth reading
As with all the Jonathan Grave novels to date, this one was well worth it. I love the main characters and it was great to discover the link between Jonathan Grave and Wolverine. I started late with the series so I still have a lot of enjoyable reading to look forward to.
As with all the Jonathan Grave novels to date, this one was well worth it. I love the main characters and it was great to discover the link between Jonathan Grave and Wolverine. I started late with the series so I still have a lot of enjoyable reading to look forward to.
September 26, 2020
Great back story
This is a great telling of the way Jonathan Grave and Irene Rivers came to trust each other so much. It explains why they trust each other and risk so much at each other’s word in all the other Jonathan Grave thrillers. At must read for fans of Digger and Boxers.
This is a great telling of the way Jonathan Grave and Irene Rivers came to trust each other so much. It explains why they trust each other and risk so much at each other’s word in all the other Jonathan Grave thrillers. At must read for fans of Digger and Boxers.
July 5, 2021
Where did the rest of the book go?
This is a novella. Good as far as it went but it went by all too quickly and for more money than it should have cost. Well written but ultimately, unsatisfying.
This is a novella. Good as far as it went but it went by all too quickly and for more money than it should have cost. Well written but ultimately, unsatisfying.
August 8, 2021
Revenge and justice is sweet.
Another great, but short, story from John Gilstrap. Keep em coming. Can’t wait for the next great novel from one of my favorite authors and “brother”.
Another great, but short, story from John Gilstrap. Keep em coming. Can’t wait for the next great novel from one of my favorite authors and “brother”.
September 16, 2021
Intense disturbing read
Intense read about a disturbing subject. Keeps you engaged and Praying for the characters ending. I hope in real life criminals of this type get taken care of as easily and no one ever has to endure what the characters in this story do.
Intense read about a disturbing subject. Keeps you engaged and Praying for the characters ending. I hope in real life criminals of this type get taken care of as easily and no one ever has to endure what the characters in this story do.
October 18, 2021
Great backstory at just the right time!
Excellent introduction into a deeper understanding of the world of Scorpion, Boxers…and Wolverine. When the foundation is laid, the people come alive!
Excellent introduction into a deeper understanding of the world of Scorpion, Boxers…and Wolverine. When the foundation is laid, the people come alive!
November 27, 2022
An fabulous story!
This was a classic John Gilstrap book. He had the characters like Scorpion, Big Guy, Wolverine, & Dom. The plot was perfect. Everything was there. Kudos to Mr. Gilstrap!
This was a classic John Gilstrap book. He had the characters like Scorpion, Big Guy, Wolverine, & Dom. The plot was perfect. Everything was there. Kudos to Mr. Gilstrap!
February 8, 2023
Excellent Quick Read
I burned through all the Digger books and this was another hit. Liked how we get to know Irene better in this. Also enjoyed seeing her go back and forth between her role as an agent of the FBI and a mom. Well written, as always. Wish there was more!
I burned through all the Digger books and this was another hit. Liked how we get to know Irene better in this. Also enjoyed seeing her go back and forth between her role as an agent of the FBI and a mom. Well written, as always. Wish there was more!
August 10, 2023
Good read!
Action packed and story moves right along..... Length is very good and provides an excellent snapshot of authors writing style. Found it a worth my time and have book marked other John Gilstrap Jonathan Grave series books.
Action packed and story moves right along..... Length is very good and provides an excellent snapshot of authors writing style. Found it a worth my time and have book marked other John Gilstrap Jonathan Grave series books.
April 3, 2024
A novella, so it is short and constant action. A prequel that adds some backstory to the series, the characters are rather ruthless, but maybe with cause, of course book of this type generally do have them.
August 6, 2024
What a read !
I’m so glad I found this novella. It explains how Scorpion, Big Guy and Wolverine got introduced. It is definitely a quick read but absolutely explains how their relationship started.
If you like Jonathan Grave it is a must read.
I’m so glad I found this novella. It explains how Scorpion, Big Guy and Wolverine got introduced. It is definitely a quick read but absolutely explains how their relationship started.
If you like Jonathan Grave it is a must read.
November 1, 2024
Epic
Short and intense. As expected, tactical info provided in easy to read form. This writer allows you to feel each moment, all the feels. I read these out of order, so now I have the story of how they met Wolverine! Epic, thank you for exceeding my reading expectations.
Short and intense. As expected, tactical info provided in easy to read form. This writer allows you to feel each moment, all the feels. I read these out of order, so now I have the story of how they met Wolverine! Epic, thank you for exceeding my reading expectations.
April 29, 2025
Jonathan Graves novella featuring the first time Digger and Irene meet and how he helps her. Short and sweet. Side note: It is the first time I have had a Grave novel on audiobook. The voice used for Boxers is ridiculous.
July 21, 2025
I'm glad to have a little back story to how Digger and Boxer became acquainted with Wolverine.
Fast paced, no brainer. Finished in a single day, nice.
Sometime down the road, I suspect we will get another back story on Digger's father and how he and Boxers got together.
Fast paced, no brainer. Finished in a single day, nice.
Sometime down the road, I suspect we will get another back story on Digger's father and how he and Boxers got together.
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this backstory of how FBI Special Agent Irene Rivers and Jonathan Grave began working together. The questions and secrets were well played out. I didn't like the story of the kids, but I did enjoy having Irene see Big Guy for who he was right from the get-go. Great story!
September 18, 2018
Soft Targets
This is the third Gilstrap novel I've read featuring Jonathan Grave and his giant friend, Big Guy. I've enjoyed all of them.
This is the third Gilstrap novel I've read featuring Jonathan Grave and his giant friend, Big Guy. I've enjoyed all of them.
June 11, 2019
Great book!
This one grabbed me right from the beginning and never let go until the end! I can’t wait to read the next book!
This one grabbed me right from the beginning and never let go until the end! I can’t wait to read the next book!
February 6, 2020
This is reading to escape! You won't learn much unless you care about guns (I don't) but I do enjoy escaping everyday stresses,
June 8, 2020
Not often that one sees a Flotus as an ex terrorist. A little far fetched but still a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews