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Sydney Fitzpatrick #4
The Black List
The first death was ruled an accident. But when a second accountant from A.D.E.—a popular relief organization that resettles East African refugees—turns up dead, FBI Special Agent and forensic artist Sydney Fitzpatrick is called in to lend her expertise in an increasingly troubling case. Not only is the charity backed by a powerful U.S. senator, but the investigation reveals that its funds have been siphoned off to bankroll terrorist cells in black list countries, and Sydney fears the consequences.
And it may already be too late. Death has crossed the border from Mexico and is now heading toward Washington, D.C. Time is rapidly running out—and unless Sydney and her partner, Zachary Griffin, can get to the root of a monstrous conspiracy, untold thousands will die in a nuclear nightmare and a nation will be reduced to chaos.
And it may already be too late. Death has crossed the border from Mexico and is now heading toward Washington, D.C. Time is rapidly running out—and unless Sydney and her partner, Zachary Griffin, can get to the root of a monstrous conspiracy, untold thousands will die in a nuclear nightmare and a nation will be reduced to chaos.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2012
40 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 29, 2014
Another decent book by Robin Burcell,- more espionage this time taking place first in Mexico, then the U.S., then England, then south to Africa, then back to England and then the U.S. - Robin Burcell's books are like tourist brochures with hints of danger throughout.
This book dealt with legal and illegal migrants, their slum lords, and all leading back to the almighty dollar.
A bit of romance, but that isn't the scope of the book nor series.
Have enjoyed reading this book and do hope she plans on writing more.
This book dealt with legal and illegal migrants, their slum lords, and all leading back to the almighty dollar.
A bit of romance, but that isn't the scope of the book nor series.
Have enjoyed reading this book and do hope she plans on writing more.
August 3, 2015
She does it again!
Believable characters in realistic settings. The plots are scary in that they are possible.
Can't wait for the next one!
Believable characters in realistic settings. The plots are scary in that they are possible.
Can't wait for the next one!
April 4, 2020
Mom and I know this book took a long time to read. The reason why was because it was a book we read before going to bed and it was very good at getting us to relax and go to sleep.
We can remember the plot was fast paced and good. Watching Sydney and Griffin grow as a team was just beautiful.
We look forward to reading the next book.
We can remember the plot was fast paced and good. Watching Sydney and Griffin grow as a team was just beautiful.
We look forward to reading the next book.
November 13, 2017
Two thirds through this turkey. Should just dump it but I'm gonna force myself to finish it as punishment for wasting money on it. Obvious why it was a dollar store book. Characters are cartoonish. Plot is a muddled mess. Writing is amateurish at best. UGGGHHH!
March 19, 2018
Rather ho-hum thriller. Fast-paced read and not a lot of thinking involved. Subject matter of terrorists sneaking in amongst refugees touches on current events in the political world. Not as good as the last Sydney Fitzpatrick story but not terrible.
July 8, 2020
I liked this book more than the 3 stars..it has a different twist. The main character (and characters) are more normal than not..as in they all have 'issues' that don't get spoken of publicly (much).
Hmmnn..
Hmmnn..
February 10, 2025
Normally I love this series but this one just dragged. I didn’t think I was ever going to finish it. FBI, CIA and the top secret organization ATLAS is at it again. Hunting down the criminals and saving the innocent. A good thriller. I’ll check out the next one.
March 23, 2026
I liked the plot and the primary characters (Sheila is too stupid to kill but ...), and there is a lot of action. BUT there is just too much going on, too much travel in too short of time, and too many miracle savings.
September 23, 2017
Not terribly keen on the writing style but the story was very engaging.
December 27, 2018
The first death is thought an accident, but when a second person related to the charity group of ADE, the FBI and other agents begin to investigate.
Full of suspense and action.
Full of suspense and action.
April 11, 2018
Awesome thriller. Love Love this author and these characters: Fritzpatrick & Griffin!!! Another cliff hanger ending, so onward to The Kill Order...
November 24, 2018
Awesome read! Excitement right to the last page. Looking forward to others in the series
December 19, 2012
*Genre* Mystery, Thriller
*Rating* 3.0
*Review*
Sydney Fitzpatrick, FBI Special Agent and forensic artist, is back in what is considered to be part two of a two book release (See “The Dark Hour”). I believe that you can pretty much read this book as a standalone without bothering with The Dark Hour. However, if you want to understand how Sydney and Zachary Griffin came to be working together, you may want to go back and check out The Dark Hour at your leisure.
Sydney is a former cop for the city of San Francisco who now works in DC for the FBI. While on leave for Christmas with her family in San Francisco, she is approached by her former partner Tony Carillo. Carillo's soon to be ex-wife Sheila has gotten herself into a pickle and he needs Sydney's new friend covert government operative Zachary Griffin's help.
Fitzpatrick, along with Carillo and new friend Zachary Griffin who works for a covert government agency called ATLAS, has to figure out who is responsible for a huge conspiracy that is siphoning off millions of dollars from an AID organization that is supposed to be helping African refugees enter the US. Along with conspiracy, Sydney is dragged into the search and destroy mission to locate and stop terrorist Yusuf from detonating his dirty bomb on US soil before it is too late.
Not an easy job when you have so many fingers in the pie and everyone wanting a slice of it. Not when you have a blind to everything but what she wants to see US Senator overseeing the distribution of money towards these corrupt refugee organizations as well as controlling the funds that go towards the CIA and other covert agencies. Not when your friends soon to be ex-wife ends up being in the middle of the entire quagmire after falling for a son of a loser named Trip.
There is a lot of background noise that goes along with this particular book. There is the fact that Sydney has been trying to figure out her own father’s involvement in a group known as BICTT (Bank of International Commerce Trade and Trust). The bank is a known front for International Crooks, Terrorists and Thieves. Sydney is also starting to have feelings towards Griffin but the feelings may or may not be returned in kind.
Robin Burcell has been a police officer since 1983. During that time she has worked both as a detective in the Investigations Division and as a patrol officer. She was a member of the Hostage Negotiating Team and is the FBI-trained Forensic Artist. She is the author of two series Kate Gillespie (4) books and Sydney Fitzpatrick (4) books.
*Recvd via Edelweiss 09/19/2012* Expected publication: December 26th 2012 by Harper
*Rating* 3.0
*Review*
Sydney Fitzpatrick, FBI Special Agent and forensic artist, is back in what is considered to be part two of a two book release (See “The Dark Hour”). I believe that you can pretty much read this book as a standalone without bothering with The Dark Hour. However, if you want to understand how Sydney and Zachary Griffin came to be working together, you may want to go back and check out The Dark Hour at your leisure.
Sydney is a former cop for the city of San Francisco who now works in DC for the FBI. While on leave for Christmas with her family in San Francisco, she is approached by her former partner Tony Carillo. Carillo's soon to be ex-wife Sheila has gotten herself into a pickle and he needs Sydney's new friend covert government operative Zachary Griffin's help.
Fitzpatrick, along with Carillo and new friend Zachary Griffin who works for a covert government agency called ATLAS, has to figure out who is responsible for a huge conspiracy that is siphoning off millions of dollars from an AID organization that is supposed to be helping African refugees enter the US. Along with conspiracy, Sydney is dragged into the search and destroy mission to locate and stop terrorist Yusuf from detonating his dirty bomb on US soil before it is too late.
Not an easy job when you have so many fingers in the pie and everyone wanting a slice of it. Not when you have a blind to everything but what she wants to see US Senator overseeing the distribution of money towards these corrupt refugee organizations as well as controlling the funds that go towards the CIA and other covert agencies. Not when your friends soon to be ex-wife ends up being in the middle of the entire quagmire after falling for a son of a loser named Trip.
There is a lot of background noise that goes along with this particular book. There is the fact that Sydney has been trying to figure out her own father’s involvement in a group known as BICTT (Bank of International Commerce Trade and Trust). The bank is a known front for International Crooks, Terrorists and Thieves. Sydney is also starting to have feelings towards Griffin but the feelings may or may not be returned in kind.
Robin Burcell has been a police officer since 1983. During that time she has worked both as a detective in the Investigations Division and as a patrol officer. She was a member of the Hostage Negotiating Team and is the FBI-trained Forensic Artist. She is the author of two series Kate Gillespie (4) books and Sydney Fitzpatrick (4) books.
*Recvd via Edelweiss 09/19/2012* Expected publication: December 26th 2012 by Harper
May 27, 2013
In this book, FBI sketch artist Sydney Fitzpatrick, is asked by her friend Tony Carillo to investigate his soon to be ex-wife Sheila's boyfriend, Trip, in his case of suspected embezzlement. Sydney investigates more on the organization that Trip worked for, A.D.E., and she finds out that although this organization helps charities in aiding refugees, it may also be helping terrorists.
Sydney once again works with Zachary Griffin, James "Tex" Dalton, and the rest of the people who work black ops in ATLAS. Griffin is trying to locate a terrorist that they believe might be trying to cross into the U.S., if he hasn't already done so. Soon their different cases turn into one, and they must help find the person that wants to bring destruction possibly to the whole nation.
I love this series because the scenarios seem realistic, there is suspense and mystery, and the characters are likeable. Also, the reader does not have to read previous books in the series to understand and read each book by itself. This book has enough background information about the characters and other relevant parts of the story that were mentioned in the previous books that allows the reader to understand this book's storyline.
There are sixty-seven chapters in the book. The reader is introduced to many characters (about 70) throughout the whole book, but about 25 of the characters have main active roles. Most of the characters have appeared in previous books in the series, and some of the new characters introduced in this book are mysterious (the reader will question if the characters' actions are for good or for bad).
What I liked most about this book is that this time around, the story follows different protagonists in different situations (ex. they are all working in different locales on different leads).
There is more inclusion of other characters that have been seen in the previous book, such as Tex and Donovan. Also, there is a budding romance part in the story for Sydney and Griffin (which adds some humor sometimes to the story).
The story has mystery, suspense, car chases, fighting, and everything else typical of detective novels that will keep readers intrigued in the plot(s) of the story. This story has suspense up till the ending of the book (not kidding, the reader will be in suspense right up to the last page of the book).
Sydney once again works with Zachary Griffin, James "Tex" Dalton, and the rest of the people who work black ops in ATLAS. Griffin is trying to locate a terrorist that they believe might be trying to cross into the U.S., if he hasn't already done so. Soon their different cases turn into one, and they must help find the person that wants to bring destruction possibly to the whole nation.
I love this series because the scenarios seem realistic, there is suspense and mystery, and the characters are likeable. Also, the reader does not have to read previous books in the series to understand and read each book by itself. This book has enough background information about the characters and other relevant parts of the story that were mentioned in the previous books that allows the reader to understand this book's storyline.
There are sixty-seven chapters in the book. The reader is introduced to many characters (about 70) throughout the whole book, but about 25 of the characters have main active roles. Most of the characters have appeared in previous books in the series, and some of the new characters introduced in this book are mysterious (the reader will question if the characters' actions are for good or for bad).
What I liked most about this book is that this time around, the story follows different protagonists in different situations (ex. they are all working in different locales on different leads).
There is more inclusion of other characters that have been seen in the previous book, such as Tex and Donovan. Also, there is a budding romance part in the story for Sydney and Griffin (which adds some humor sometimes to the story).
The story has mystery, suspense, car chases, fighting, and everything else typical of detective novels that will keep readers intrigued in the plot(s) of the story. This story has suspense up till the ending of the book (not kidding, the reader will be in suspense right up to the last page of the book).
January 5, 2013
FBI agent and forensic artist Sidney Fitzpatrick hoped that taking a teaching job would get her out of the mess she found herself in in Amsterdam with her covert ops friend Zachary Griffin. Unfortunately, in town for the holidays with her family, her old partner asks her to help him out, a personal favor and she lands right back in the action.
Once again, Griffin and his team are called in to do a little under the rug investigation into a charity that helps refugees relocate to the US. But this charity may also be allowing terrorists to come in as well. A well-known terrorist is said to be on his way and plans on holding nothing back. Sidney and Zach must track him down before he causes a major explosion in DC.
My Thoughts:
This is my second Sidney Fitzpatrick book and I like her more and more as I read more about her. She’s not normally directly in the line of fire, but now that she has worked with a special ops force, she keeps finding herself closer and closer to danger, but handles it like a pro. And the team of characters that she works with is great.
I really liked this book because it had two stories going on at the same time, but in the end, they connected. You had people in Africa trying to figure out what was going on with this charity and then people in DC trying to track down the terrorist.
This is the fourth book in the series. I have read 3 and 4. You could definitely read it as a standalone and know what was going on, but for those of us who have read The Dark Hour, we know a little more about Sidney and Zach and what makes them tick.
I really like Robin Burcell’s work. Being a cop herself, she gives an insight that many other authors wouldn’t be able to. She knows the ins and outs, how things work and that really makes these books seem real.
I give The Black List 5 out of 5 bookmarks.
Once again, Griffin and his team are called in to do a little under the rug investigation into a charity that helps refugees relocate to the US. But this charity may also be allowing terrorists to come in as well. A well-known terrorist is said to be on his way and plans on holding nothing back. Sidney and Zach must track him down before he causes a major explosion in DC.
My Thoughts:
This is my second Sidney Fitzpatrick book and I like her more and more as I read more about her. She’s not normally directly in the line of fire, but now that she has worked with a special ops force, she keeps finding herself closer and closer to danger, but handles it like a pro. And the team of characters that she works with is great.
I really liked this book because it had two stories going on at the same time, but in the end, they connected. You had people in Africa trying to figure out what was going on with this charity and then people in DC trying to track down the terrorist.
This is the fourth book in the series. I have read 3 and 4. You could definitely read it as a standalone and know what was going on, but for those of us who have read The Dark Hour, we know a little more about Sidney and Zach and what makes them tick.
I really like Robin Burcell’s work. Being a cop herself, she gives an insight that many other authors wouldn’t be able to. She knows the ins and outs, how things work and that really makes these books seem real.
I give The Black List 5 out of 5 bookmarks.
May 6, 2013
Once again Robin Burcell has written a thriller that is eerily timely, in light of the recent bombing at the site of the Boston Marathon. Almost prescient as it now seems, with a plot dealing with a man of foreign background entering the US intent on causing panic, terror and destruction by placing a bomb in a very public place.
The author brings back her protagonists from previous books in the series, Sydney Fitzpatrick, female FBI Special Agent and forensic artist, James “Tex” Dalton and Zachary Griffin, covert government operatives, and once again a host of law enforcement agencies, American and otherwise, running the alphabet gamut including FBI, CIA, and the possibly fictional ATLAS (Alliance for Threat Level Assessment and Security.
Also featured are Special Agent Tony Carillo and his fraught relationship with his almost ex-wife, Sheila, whose current romantic entanglement is with a man who may not be what he seems, recently “arrested for allegedly embezzling money from his employer, a charity no less.” But that is just the tip of this particular iceberg.
It was perhaps a poor choice on my part to read this novel so close on the heels of the preceding entry in the series, the terrific “The Dark Hour,” published shortly before this one, because I must admit that my attention wasn’t held with the same degree of tension as with that book, but once again as the ending grew near, the excitement rose to higher levels and I found myself white-knuckled as I raced to the conclusion, the author adroitly bringing this book to a terrific close, as is her specialty.
The author brings back her protagonists from previous books in the series, Sydney Fitzpatrick, female FBI Special Agent and forensic artist, James “Tex” Dalton and Zachary Griffin, covert government operatives, and once again a host of law enforcement agencies, American and otherwise, running the alphabet gamut including FBI, CIA, and the possibly fictional ATLAS (Alliance for Threat Level Assessment and Security.
Also featured are Special Agent Tony Carillo and his fraught relationship with his almost ex-wife, Sheila, whose current romantic entanglement is with a man who may not be what he seems, recently “arrested for allegedly embezzling money from his employer, a charity no less.” But that is just the tip of this particular iceberg.
It was perhaps a poor choice on my part to read this novel so close on the heels of the preceding entry in the series, the terrific “The Dark Hour,” published shortly before this one, because I must admit that my attention wasn’t held with the same degree of tension as with that book, but once again as the ending grew near, the excitement rose to higher levels and I found myself white-knuckled as I raced to the conclusion, the author adroitly bringing this book to a terrific close, as is her specialty.
February 8, 2017
“I might not have gotten your call at Christmas,” he said, lifting the necklace from the cotton layer, “but I was thinking of you.” Zachary Griffin draped the chain around Sydney Fitzpatrick's neck and fastened the clasp before heading to dinner with McNiel as Sydney is on loan from the FBI to ATLAS to work some reconnaissance on the local level.
With the threat of Yusuf (a terrorist) heading into United States, Sydney and Carillo called upon a favour from Tex and Griffin to look into Trip's (Carillo's soon to be ex-wife's boyfriend) brush with the law. Sydney and Carillo has shot a hit-woman who was targeting Trip.
Trip had gotten himself in trouble with the law for embezzlement but insisted her was framed and his friend who was also working for the same charity was killed. The charity was dabbling with the refugee programme which was what facilitated Yusuf's entry into the United States.
Against all the threats, our characters have to investigate in Washington, Kenya and London to uncover the truth, racing against time as Yusuf has stolen cesium 137...
Introduction of Eve (Tex's love interest) and the return of Tex, Marco, Lisette and Donovan (Atlas agents).
Wonderfully gripping story, irritate to have to pause inbetween the book. It is nice to see Griffin taking the first move towards their relationship and have Carillo involved in the case as well as the M15, M16 (UK counterpart) cooperation.
With the threat of Yusuf (a terrorist) heading into United States, Sydney and Carillo called upon a favour from Tex and Griffin to look into Trip's (Carillo's soon to be ex-wife's boyfriend) brush with the law. Sydney and Carillo has shot a hit-woman who was targeting Trip.
Trip had gotten himself in trouble with the law for embezzlement but insisted her was framed and his friend who was also working for the same charity was killed. The charity was dabbling with the refugee programme which was what facilitated Yusuf's entry into the United States.
Against all the threats, our characters have to investigate in Washington, Kenya and London to uncover the truth, racing against time as Yusuf has stolen cesium 137...
Introduction of Eve (Tex's love interest) and the return of Tex, Marco, Lisette and Donovan (Atlas agents).
Wonderfully gripping story, irritate to have to pause inbetween the book. It is nice to see Griffin taking the first move towards their relationship and have Carillo involved in the case as well as the M15, M16 (UK counterpart) cooperation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2014
Another fantastic thriller from author Robin Burcell, "The Black List" Is packed with international suspense and adventure. FBI agent Sydney Fitzpatrick returns as protagonist in order to help former partner Tony Carillo. Carillo has a problem with his ex-wife Sheila and her new beau "Trip". Meanwhile a terrorist, Yusuf is trying to sneak into the country to retrieve a dangerous device. Sydney and her partner Zach Griffin are out to track down Yusuf, and take down a corrupt refugee organization. The story is packed with action all the way through the book. It's nice having several sub plots that keep the book more than interesting. Burcell's characters developed well enough to be almost lifelike. Excellent dialog throughout also adds to the enjoyment of reading this book. I'd highly recommend "The Black List" for anyone that wants to read a great thriller quickly ! 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars to be sure. If you've read any of Robin's other novels, this one cannot be skipped . Be sure you pick this one up and dive into some fantastic international terror plots with plenty of bad guys.
August 8, 2016
Not a bad book, it has deviated quite a way since the original set up in the first book - seems a bit odd having a forensic artist so involved in a spy-like law enforcement agency really.
If you can look past that oddity and the whole spy-lair-entrance-in-a-train-tunnel-trope then it's a fairly good tale of embezzlement and money laundering through government funding of refugee resettlement programs. Naturally, a terrorist sneaks through such a link for a reasonable sub-plot also.
Improvement over book 3, however I found 1 & 2 were the best ones of the series.
If you can look past that oddity and the whole spy-lair-entrance-in-a-train-tunnel-trope then it's a fairly good tale of embezzlement and money laundering through government funding of refugee resettlement programs. Naturally, a terrorist sneaks through such a link for a reasonable sub-plot also.
Improvement over book 3, however I found 1 & 2 were the best ones of the series.
December 24, 2015
Pretty good book. The story is good and keeps you going. Something I didn't like is that some of the characters were not mentioned for quite a few chapters, but you were eventually brought back to them. One other thing I wasn't that into is that there were too many other characters mentioned that was never brought back up, but hind sight I see it was just part of the story. Overall I liked the book though.
June 30, 2013
Sydney Fitzpatrick's Christmas break is interrupted by an old friend's request. In short order, she finds herself involved in a shooting and a case that reaches to England, Africa, and perhaps the upper reaches of D.C. powermongers.
Ms. Burcell has a proven track record in supplying high-octane suspense and like able characters, and she hits the mark here.
Ms. Burcell has a proven track record in supplying high-octane suspense and like able characters, and she hits the mark here.
July 14, 2013
3.5 stars - The plot didn't hold my interest as well as previous books in the series, but still a well-written and entertaining book. Love the character of Sydney and especially like to see her in action doing her drawings of witnesses/suspects.
July 26, 2013
Ok, this was #4, there has to be a #5 in the works. Please let there be a fifth one. All of these are stand alone stories, but they connect too, and Burcell did a really good job of leaving this one at a cliffhanger with questions about how things will turn out. So come on #5.
January 20, 2013
A sequel to the Dark Hour it has the same great characters. I didn't like the plot as well but it was still a very good read!
April 13, 2013
I love the suspense and how the story takes you to multiple cities and countries.
August 22, 2013
Marvelous author. Always entertaining
March 25, 2014
Another interesting story from an accomplished writer.
October 14, 2014
This is a terrific read, took me a day and a half to read as I couldnt put it down.
July 16, 2013
Good book, had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews