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Nick Reagan #1
The Handler: A Nick Reagan Thriller
This gripping adventure takes two CIA operatives from New York to Pakistan, Paris, Las Vegas, and, ultimately, America’s heartland as they race to prevent a series of terrorist attacks.
When the CIA uncovers details of violent assaults planned throughout the United States, clandestine CIA operative Nicholas Reagan and his partner, Carol Gellos, are assigned to prevent them—traveling across the world as they confront long odds and danger along the way.
When the CIA uncovers details of violent assaults planned throughout the United States, clandestine CIA operative Nicholas Reagan and his partner, Carol Gellos, are assigned to prevent them—traveling across the world as they confront long odds and danger along the way.
- GenresThriller
416 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2023
15 people are currently reading
10711 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey S. Stephens
10 books741 followersJeffrey Stephens is the Amazon best-selling and PenCraft award-winning author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, TARGETS OF DECEPTION, TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY, TARGETS OF REVENGE and ROGUE MISSION; the Anthony Walker murder mystery CRIMES AND PASSION; the Pencraft First Place Award winning novel, FOOL’S ERRAND; and the first Nicholas Reagan thriller, THE HANDLER.
A native of New York City, the author is a successful attorney in private practice, admitted in both in New York and Connecticut, who has lived for more than forty years in Greenwich, which is where he and his wife Nancy raised their two sons, Graham and Trevor.
A native of New York City, the author is a successful attorney in private practice, admitted in both in New York and Connecticut, who has lived for more than forty years in Greenwich, which is where he and his wife Nancy raised their two sons, Graham and Trevor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 5, 2023
There is danger ahead as he is pulled in to a race against time to stop a terrible rain of terror happening around the world. Who is behind it all? Can he stop it? How will they get on? See if they can beat the odds
November 10, 2023
The Handler is the second book in this series. I didn’t read book one but this book can stand on its own.
Definitely a novel I might have overlooked but I am glad I didn’t !!!
Nick Reagan is a versatile individual. Part agent, spy, and someone who gets down to business.
Nick and a group of his associates are charged with fighting The Bad guys and he does just that.
Lots of moving parts and action.
This novel Doesn’t let up and there’s room for a sequel.
Excellent and i definitely recommend. 5 stars
Definitely a novel I might have overlooked but I am glad I didn’t !!!
Nick Reagan is a versatile individual. Part agent, spy, and someone who gets down to business.
Nick and a group of his associates are charged with fighting The Bad guys and he does just that.
Lots of moving parts and action.
This novel Doesn’t let up and there’s room for a sequel.
Excellent and i definitely recommend. 5 stars
December 20, 2023
Jeffrey S. Stephens's "The Handler" is a gripping espionage thriller. CIA operatives Nick Reagan and Carol Gellos, find themselves racing against time to stop a series of terrorist attacks from New York to Paris, Las Vegas, and the American heartland.
It is fast-paced, action-driven, and full of tension. The characters have a lot of depth, in particular, Reagan, who is a hotshot secret agent, who isn’t affraid to breaks the rules when necessary!
While Stephens offers a disclaimer emphasizing the fictional nature of the work, the story does navigate on sensitive cultural and religious terrains that require thoughtful consideration from the reader.
I love fast-paced, action-packed espionage narratives and i found plenty to enjoy in “The Handler”, it was indeed a hearty addition to the terrorism thriller genre. Stephens's skill in crafting an action-driven story, while occasionally touching on provocative themes, definitely makes for a thrilling and thought-provoking read indeed! Highly recommended
It is fast-paced, action-driven, and full of tension. The characters have a lot of depth, in particular, Reagan, who is a hotshot secret agent, who isn’t affraid to breaks the rules when necessary!
While Stephens offers a disclaimer emphasizing the fictional nature of the work, the story does navigate on sensitive cultural and religious terrains that require thoughtful consideration from the reader.
I love fast-paced, action-packed espionage narratives and i found plenty to enjoy in “The Handler”, it was indeed a hearty addition to the terrorism thriller genre. Stephens's skill in crafting an action-driven story, while occasionally touching on provocative themes, definitely makes for a thrilling and thought-provoking read indeed! Highly recommended
August 1, 2022
A taut terrorism thriller that mesmerizes with a dizzying global conspiracy and believable stakes. Fans of Kyle Mills and Brad Thor will love The Handler.
The Handler opens in New York City as two radicalized Muslims, Mustafa Karahan and Roshan Al Ghamdi, conduct recon for a terror attack. It’s a familiar setup with one terrifying twist: neither knows about the other’s existence, seemingly giving the mission a far greater chance of success.
As it does throughout, The Handler quickly shifts continents. In Shanghai, CIA operative Nick Reagan picks up a British woman who says she’s in the Diplomatic Corps. He doesn’t buy her cover story for even a moment. Nevertheless, both are happy to go back to his hotel to “make memories.” Before the night is over, however, Chinese authorities show up to take Reagan away for interrogation.
Meanwhile in Pakistan, three American scientists arrive to investigate the cause of a catastrophic earthquake. Sold out by a local emir, they’re soon abducted by armed men.
Got all that? Through these and many other events in locations across the planet, Author Jeffrey S. Stephens has created a vast global conspiracy that readers will enjoy unraveling until the climactic finale.
In ways, The Handler is reminiscent of the post-9/11 wave of terrorism fiction that ruled the bestseller lists in the early 2000s. Stephens covers new territory by focusing considerable portions of the story to events in Dearborn, Michigan, the “de facto center of Sharia law within the United States.” While Stephens provides an honest assessment of reality vs fiction in a thoughtful Acknowledgements chapter at the end of the book, it’s worth noting that his depiction of Dearborn is palpable, plausible and thought-provoking.
Stylistically, Stephens employs economical, action-focused prose and almost never slows down for exposition. Characters are given just enough backstory to provide context. Stephens prefers instead to demonstrate their character, values and capabilities through action and dialogue, and that’s especially true of fellow agent Carol Gellos. The result is a hard-hitting, fast-paced story that works well despite a truly large cast of characters.
The Handler opens in New York City as two radicalized Muslims, Mustafa Karahan and Roshan Al Ghamdi, conduct recon for a terror attack. It’s a familiar setup with one terrifying twist: neither knows about the other’s existence, seemingly giving the mission a far greater chance of success.
As it does throughout, The Handler quickly shifts continents. In Shanghai, CIA operative Nick Reagan picks up a British woman who says she’s in the Diplomatic Corps. He doesn’t buy her cover story for even a moment. Nevertheless, both are happy to go back to his hotel to “make memories.” Before the night is over, however, Chinese authorities show up to take Reagan away for interrogation.
Meanwhile in Pakistan, three American scientists arrive to investigate the cause of a catastrophic earthquake. Sold out by a local emir, they’re soon abducted by armed men.
Got all that? Through these and many other events in locations across the planet, Author Jeffrey S. Stephens has created a vast global conspiracy that readers will enjoy unraveling until the climactic finale.
In ways, The Handler is reminiscent of the post-9/11 wave of terrorism fiction that ruled the bestseller lists in the early 2000s. Stephens covers new territory by focusing considerable portions of the story to events in Dearborn, Michigan, the “de facto center of Sharia law within the United States.” While Stephens provides an honest assessment of reality vs fiction in a thoughtful Acknowledgements chapter at the end of the book, it’s worth noting that his depiction of Dearborn is palpable, plausible and thought-provoking.
Stylistically, Stephens employs economical, action-focused prose and almost never slows down for exposition. Characters are given just enough backstory to provide context. Stephens prefers instead to demonstrate their character, values and capabilities through action and dialogue, and that’s especially true of fellow agent Carol Gellos. The result is a hard-hitting, fast-paced story that works well despite a truly large cast of characters.
January 4, 2024
Okay, so I picked up The Handler by Jeffrey S. Stephens because, let's face it, I needed something that didn't feel like my brain was trying to digest a dictionary. And, oh boy, did it deliver. This book is like if a James Bond movie decided to have a wild fling with a jigsaw puzzle. It's all over the place, in a good way.
The book flings you from Shanghai to Pakistan to Dearborn, Michigan, which, according to Stephens, is the epicenter of everything shady. It's like taking a whirlwind trip around the globe but without the jet lag and questionable airplane food. You've got Nick Reagan, the CIA operative, who's basically every action hero cliché rolled into one. He's got the charm, the moves, and a knack for finding trouble. Then there's Carol Gellos, his partner, who's a bit more grounded, thankfully, because someone has to be.
The plot? Oh, it's a doozy. Imagine terrorists, secret chips that can do scary tech things, and a whole lot of "Wait, what just happened?" moments. It's the kind of book that you read and think, "This can't possibly get more intense," and then it laughs in your face and does just that.
Stephens writes like he's in a hurry, which works because so are you, trying to keep up with the story. It's all "Bam! Pow! Suspense!" with just enough character background to make you care but not enough to slow down the bullet train of a plot. And the Dearborn angle? Interesting, a bit controversial, but hey, it's fiction, and it's thought-provoking.
So, would I recommend it? If you like your thrillers with a side of global hopscotch and don't mind a protagonist who probably has a closet full of superhero capes, then absolutely. It's a wild ride, and sometimes, that's just what you need. Just maybe don't read it before bed, unless you want dreams of being chased by international terrorists, which could be cool, or terrifying. Your call.
The book flings you from Shanghai to Pakistan to Dearborn, Michigan, which, according to Stephens, is the epicenter of everything shady. It's like taking a whirlwind trip around the globe but without the jet lag and questionable airplane food. You've got Nick Reagan, the CIA operative, who's basically every action hero cliché rolled into one. He's got the charm, the moves, and a knack for finding trouble. Then there's Carol Gellos, his partner, who's a bit more grounded, thankfully, because someone has to be.
The plot? Oh, it's a doozy. Imagine terrorists, secret chips that can do scary tech things, and a whole lot of "Wait, what just happened?" moments. It's the kind of book that you read and think, "This can't possibly get more intense," and then it laughs in your face and does just that.
Stephens writes like he's in a hurry, which works because so are you, trying to keep up with the story. It's all "Bam! Pow! Suspense!" with just enough character background to make you care but not enough to slow down the bullet train of a plot. And the Dearborn angle? Interesting, a bit controversial, but hey, it's fiction, and it's thought-provoking.
So, would I recommend it? If you like your thrillers with a side of global hopscotch and don't mind a protagonist who probably has a closet full of superhero capes, then absolutely. It's a wild ride, and sometimes, that's just what you need. Just maybe don't read it before bed, unless you want dreams of being chased by international terrorists, which could be cool, or terrifying. Your call.
November 19, 2022
If you're in the mood for a fastpaced post-9/11 spy/action thriller, this is a pretty solid choice.
It's well written, comes with taut suspense and some good twists, and keeps you entertained.
That said... the characters don't have much in the way of fleshed out personalities, and the protagonist is your run-of-the-mill manly man action hero whose go-to interrogation method is torture, in a way that verges on sexual assault the one time he's questioning a woman, and I'm just very, very tired of that particular stereotype and the whole "the ends justify the means" shtick we're served repeatedly (because of course these methods always work here). If these are your supposed good guys... well. Let's just say we have rather different world views in that case.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
It's well written, comes with taut suspense and some good twists, and keeps you entertained.
That said... the characters don't have much in the way of fleshed out personalities, and the protagonist is your run-of-the-mill manly man action hero whose go-to interrogation method is torture, in a way that verges on sexual assault the one time he's questioning a woman, and I'm just very, very tired of that particular stereotype and the whole "the ends justify the means" shtick we're served repeatedly (because of course these methods always work here). If these are your supposed good guys... well. Let's just say we have rather different world views in that case.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
August 23, 2025
A couple of years of reading espionage thrillers can make a reader skeptical of new series entries. Would “The Handler” simply recycle clichés, or would it offer something fresh? I’m pleased to say that Jeffrey S. Stephens has delivered an intelligent, entertaining story that more than holds its own.
Nicholas Reagan, along with his partner Carol Gellos, faces challenges that are not only believable but also resolved in ways that make sense within the narrative. Jeffrey S. Stephens avoids the trap of overblown theatrics, instead grounding his thriller in real-world detail and pacing. His handling of locations like Washington, Paris, and Las Vegas is particularly effective—evoking each place with just enough detail to feel authentic without overwhelming the reader.
What impressed me most was the balance: intense action sequences are paired with thoughtful analysis, moments of quiet reflection, and even shades of romance. This combination makes the book engaging on multiple levels, not just as a straightforward spy story.
Ultimately, “The Handler” succeeds because it respects its readers. It’s exciting without being implausible, and entertaining without pandering to clichés. Jeffrey S. Stephens has created a strong foundation for what promises to be an excellent series, and I, for one, am hooked. I will definitely read the next part now!!
Nicholas Reagan, along with his partner Carol Gellos, faces challenges that are not only believable but also resolved in ways that make sense within the narrative. Jeffrey S. Stephens avoids the trap of overblown theatrics, instead grounding his thriller in real-world detail and pacing. His handling of locations like Washington, Paris, and Las Vegas is particularly effective—evoking each place with just enough detail to feel authentic without overwhelming the reader.
What impressed me most was the balance: intense action sequences are paired with thoughtful analysis, moments of quiet reflection, and even shades of romance. This combination makes the book engaging on multiple levels, not just as a straightforward spy story.
Ultimately, “The Handler” succeeds because it respects its readers. It’s exciting without being implausible, and entertaining without pandering to clichés. Jeffrey S. Stephens has created a strong foundation for what promises to be an excellent series, and I, for one, am hooked. I will definitely read the next part now!!
January 9, 2024
What a neat book! This is a big story that spans the globe, and Stephens put a lot of care into crafting a solid piece of fiction here.
The plot is okay; there aren’t any holes, and it’s written well. Stephens set up a solid foundation for a series to evolve. The terrorism on American soil concept isn’t new, so what really pops here are the characters. I found Nick (Reagan) to be quite likable; he’s friendly and tends to focus on the right thing to do, which in his line of work doesn’t always mean falling in line. The supporting characters were solid. For all her secrecy and privacy, Carol has so much bubbling under the surface beyond what comes up in this book.
As far as places visited? Stephens did an excellent job of grabbing the culture and feel of a place through the lens of folks just passing through. This is great, as it adds a layer of realism to all the places Nick goes, even if Stephens did take some artistic liberties with some of the places, which is a testament to how well he wrote.
Overall, a good book. I expect the series to evolve with the characters, and I'll be checking out more books by this author!
The plot is okay; there aren’t any holes, and it’s written well. Stephens set up a solid foundation for a series to evolve. The terrorism on American soil concept isn’t new, so what really pops here are the characters. I found Nick (Reagan) to be quite likable; he’s friendly and tends to focus on the right thing to do, which in his line of work doesn’t always mean falling in line. The supporting characters were solid. For all her secrecy and privacy, Carol has so much bubbling under the surface beyond what comes up in this book.
As far as places visited? Stephens did an excellent job of grabbing the culture and feel of a place through the lens of folks just passing through. This is great, as it adds a layer of realism to all the places Nick goes, even if Stephens did take some artistic liberties with some of the places, which is a testament to how well he wrote.
Overall, a good book. I expect the series to evolve with the characters, and I'll be checking out more books by this author!
August 21, 2025
I was looking for a perfect weekend read, that’s when I came across this book! I made a perfect choice. I will write the things I loved about this book: 1) while the book is packed with globe-trotting action and suspense, what really drew me in were the characters. Nick Reagan isn’t just a stereotypical agent—he’s portrayed with depth, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose. His dynamic with Carol Gellos adds balance, creating a partnership that feels authentic and engaging.
2) I loved the unique concept surrounding “the Handler” and the way Stephens unraveled the plot. There are moments of grit, moments of humanity, and enough twists to keep readers guessing.
3) The story also resonates thematically, reminding us of the very real sacrifices made by those working behind the scenes to prevent tragedies we may never even hear about.
4)Though the plot ties up the immediate threat, Stephens leaves lingering threads that suggest Nick’s journey is far from over. I, for one, can’t wait to see where the next book takes him.
Can’t wait to read more books by the author! He earned himself a fan for a lifetime!!
2) I loved the unique concept surrounding “the Handler” and the way Stephens unraveled the plot. There are moments of grit, moments of humanity, and enough twists to keep readers guessing.
3) The story also resonates thematically, reminding us of the very real sacrifices made by those working behind the scenes to prevent tragedies we may never even hear about.
4)Though the plot ties up the immediate threat, Stephens leaves lingering threads that suggest Nick’s journey is far from over. I, for one, can’t wait to see where the next book takes him.
Can’t wait to read more books by the author! He earned himself a fan for a lifetime!!
August 21, 2025
I picked this book upon a friend’s recommendation and totally loved it!! I must say, THE HANDLER asks a timely question: what does it take to protect a nation against relentless, organized hate? The answer, in this story, is Nicholas Reagan—a CIA operative whose skill, focus, and resilience make him an anchor in a world teetering on chaos.
The novel takes readers across continents in pursuit of terrorists bent on orchestrating devastating attacks in the U.S. While the narrative is plot-driven and leans heavily on action rather than character growth, Stephens’ gift lies in his ability to keep the tension taut and the storytelling accessible. The globe-spanning investigation never feels overwhelming; instead, it reads like a carefully choreographed sequence of escalating crises, each building toward the next.
For those who value thrillers that prioritize action, suspense, and global stakes over personal introspection, this book is a strong recommendation. It’s a story that mirrors the complexities of our world while offering the satisfaction of seeing evil confronted head-on.
The novel takes readers across continents in pursuit of terrorists bent on orchestrating devastating attacks in the U.S. While the narrative is plot-driven and leans heavily on action rather than character growth, Stephens’ gift lies in his ability to keep the tension taut and the storytelling accessible. The globe-spanning investigation never feels overwhelming; instead, it reads like a carefully choreographed sequence of escalating crises, each building toward the next.
For those who value thrillers that prioritize action, suspense, and global stakes over personal introspection, this book is a strong recommendation. It’s a story that mirrors the complexities of our world while offering the satisfaction of seeing evil confronted head-on.
August 21, 2025
It’s one of those books that reads like a blockbuster film waiting to happen. From the bustling streets of New York to the deserts of Pakistan, the lights of Paris, and the chaos of Las Vegas, Jeffrey S. Stephens takes readers on a whirlwind chase that never slows down.
Nicholas is the quintessential CIA operative—confident, clever, and always two steps ahead of danger. Paired with Gellos, he navigates a web of terrorist threats that feel all too real. What stood out most to me was the cinematographic pacing: the short, sharp chapters and escalating tension make it almost impossible to put down.
I especially appreciated how the story highlighted the sacrifices of intelligence agents, serving as a reminder of the unsung heroes who protect us even when government systems fail. The ending is satisfying yet leaves enough threads hanging to ensure readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
This is one of my favorite reads by Stephens—highly recommended for fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor.
Nicholas is the quintessential CIA operative—confident, clever, and always two steps ahead of danger. Paired with Gellos, he navigates a web of terrorist threats that feel all too real. What stood out most to me was the cinematographic pacing: the short, sharp chapters and escalating tension make it almost impossible to put down.
I especially appreciated how the story highlighted the sacrifices of intelligence agents, serving as a reminder of the unsung heroes who protect us even when government systems fail. The ending is satisfying yet leaves enough threads hanging to ensure readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
This is one of my favorite reads by Stephens—highly recommended for fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor.
January 10, 2024
The book is a gripping adventure of two CIA operatives, Nicholas Reagan and his associate Carol Gellos. They were given the task of preventing a series of planned terrorist attacks. This ignites the intention of protecting their own people and demolishing the fear of terrorism. Their adventure brings them to different parts of the globe, like Pakistaan, Paris, and Las Vegas, and ultimately to their final destination. Their travel has been linked to different clues they get during the process of investigation. It was interesting to read how the author has taken advantage of each clue to draft the story seamlessly. The read is well-detailed yet fast-paced to maintain accurate interest and speed. The action are well depicted and would grab the realism. The characters are well written which aids in connecting with them. I was hooked on edge to know what would be their next encounter. Overall, it was an amazing read for me. .
August 27, 2022
Good little novel about a agent who unravels a terrorist plot.
Not too complex. A lot of action and bravado.
Good for reading on the plane or on the beach.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC
Not too complex. A lot of action and bravado.
Good for reading on the plane or on the beach.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC
June 3, 2024
Good Thriller. Good plot. Perhaps too many characters to keep track of. The primary characters not flushed out enough. Maybe that happens is subsequent books in the series. The dialogue is ok. Not as witty as Nelson DeMille, for example.
December 23, 2024
not bad
Perhaps a bit simple. Dialogue wasn’t very snappy. Always looking for espionage authors with smart dialogue. I’ll read the next now.
Perhaps a bit simple. Dialogue wasn’t very snappy. Always looking for espionage authors with smart dialogue. I’ll read the next now.
May 24, 2023
The Handler introduced me to Jeffrey Stephens as an author. Decades of reading about terrorist plots, bad guys, and evildoers and the agents, officers, heroes, as well as anti-heroes attempting to frustrate their plans and bring them to justice, tends to make one a bit leery of new entries.
Could the adventures of agent Nick Reagan hold my interest. Or, would it lapse into cliched crudities, obvious plot-lines stitched onto the latest fashionably/culturally-correct evils that too many authors can't seem to avoid?
Mr. Stephens provides a very well-written and entertaining story of agent Reagan's adventures. He balances intense action, reflection, problem-solving analysis, and romance in a way that holds your attention and keeps you turning pages.
Mr. Stephens poses believable challenges to his characters along with reasonable solutions that (generally) work as intended. He establishes believable settings and interaction among his characters. The action takes place internationally and realistically. He is adept at establishing a genuine feeling for each location with an economy of detail. Having been to both Washington and Paris, I believe he does them justice. I look forward to visiting the Mall of America.
To summarize, I'm hooked. I look forward to reading more about agent Reagan assuming Mr. Stephens continues to tell the stories. If you want believable, straight forward characters, and an honestly, entertaining read; you will find it in these pages.
Could the adventures of agent Nick Reagan hold my interest. Or, would it lapse into cliched crudities, obvious plot-lines stitched onto the latest fashionably/culturally-correct evils that too many authors can't seem to avoid?
Mr. Stephens provides a very well-written and entertaining story of agent Reagan's adventures. He balances intense action, reflection, problem-solving analysis, and romance in a way that holds your attention and keeps you turning pages.
Mr. Stephens poses believable challenges to his characters along with reasonable solutions that (generally) work as intended. He establishes believable settings and interaction among his characters. The action takes place internationally and realistically. He is adept at establishing a genuine feeling for each location with an economy of detail. Having been to both Washington and Paris, I believe he does them justice. I look forward to visiting the Mall of America.
To summarize, I'm hooked. I look forward to reading more about agent Reagan assuming Mr. Stephens continues to tell the stories. If you want believable, straight forward characters, and an honestly, entertaining read; you will find it in these pages.
June 16, 2024
It's a story about CIA agents Nicholas Reagan and Carol Gellos trying to stop bad people from doing violent things in the United States. They go to different places like New York, Pakistan, Paris, Las Vegas, and the middle of America to stop the bad plans. It is a fast and full-of-action spy story that keeps you interested. It's filled with suspense and hurry as Reagan and Gellos deal with different challenges during their mission. The characters, especially Reagan, are explained well, showing that he's a spy who knows a lot and isn't scared to break the rules if he has to.
The author tells the story in a way that moves smoothly through different places and things happening, making the story even more exciting.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
The author tells the story in a way that moves smoothly through different places and things happening, making the story even more exciting.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews