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The Marksman
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING LIAM NEESON Jim Hanson, an ex-Marine sniper, was getting by in life as a rancher on the Arizona-Mexico border until his wife's recent battle with cancer wiped him out financially and hollowed him out emotionally. Then he encounters a young Mexican boy, Miguel, and his mother as they are fleeing from a vicious drug cartel. Jim calls the Border Patrol but is soon confronted by cartel soldiers who demand he turn over the mother and son. Jim refuses and is drawn into a shootout, narrowly escaping with Miguel and his mother, who has been fatally shot. She begs Jim to take her son to the safety of his relatives in Chicago just before dying. Now being pursued by the cartel's relentless lead assassin, as well as Border Patrol Agents intent on sending Miguel back to Mexico (which is certain death), Jim finds himself as the boy's protector in a desperate race from Arizona to Chicago. Jim and Miguel fight for their lives during this deadly road trip, becoming the most unlikely pair of fugitives and helping each other heal from deep loss along the way.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published September 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 30, 2023
Note: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am not affiliated with the publisher, nor did I receive any other incentives.
The Marksman is a crime thriller about ex-military sniper Jim Hanson and a vicious cartel targeting an innocent family. Wanting to lead a simple life on his ranch, Jim is forced to put his life on the line for a complete stranger.
The cross-country chase plays out with brisk pacing between shootouts and introspective moments. And there are plenty of both. The action is gripping, but the real joy is in how each character's motivations are believably drawn. Jim is a solitary man, but the vivid moments of his past are enough for us to understand why he's a lonely drunk. The villains are each given just enough time and history for us to understand why they do what they do. They're evil, and we may not sympathize with them, but they make sense. The narrative viewpoints shift around to give each character proper motivation. This also builds the tension almost to the breaking point for the reader.
Certain people will find something extra special in this book, something more than a page-turning adventure. To anyone who is lonely, or tired of looking for life's purpose, Jim Hanson is an inspiring, if reluctant, hero. His sense of loss in the beginning is almost unbearable, but through his journey he finds things to push his life forward again. Other readers will need to discover for themselves who lives and who dies, because at no point is anyone's fate predictable. I look forward to returning to this book again.
The Marksman is a crime thriller about ex-military sniper Jim Hanson and a vicious cartel targeting an innocent family. Wanting to lead a simple life on his ranch, Jim is forced to put his life on the line for a complete stranger.
The cross-country chase plays out with brisk pacing between shootouts and introspective moments. And there are plenty of both. The action is gripping, but the real joy is in how each character's motivations are believably drawn. Jim is a solitary man, but the vivid moments of his past are enough for us to understand why he's a lonely drunk. The villains are each given just enough time and history for us to understand why they do what they do. They're evil, and we may not sympathize with them, but they make sense. The narrative viewpoints shift around to give each character proper motivation. This also builds the tension almost to the breaking point for the reader.
Certain people will find something extra special in this book, something more than a page-turning adventure. To anyone who is lonely, or tired of looking for life's purpose, Jim Hanson is an inspiring, if reluctant, hero. His sense of loss in the beginning is almost unbearable, but through his journey he finds things to push his life forward again. Other readers will need to discover for themselves who lives and who dies, because at no point is anyone's fate predictable. I look forward to returning to this book again.
October 12, 2023
This book is for sure action and adventure, a thriller but at the same time it’s also full of a melancholy that lingers. Perhaps it’s the death that begins the story, or the way that the two characters Jim and Miguel are joined together on a journey to try and outrun it. I’m not sure but it gives the story depth. This is also a movie which I’ve not seen so if there are similarities or differences I wouldn’t know and cannot comment on that aspect. What I can say is that this book is a wild ride where a tired old man weary of life goes out of his way uses all the skills he learned in the military to try and save a boy who’s lost everything. His home, his country and now they must try and reach what’s left of his family before their pursuers reach them.
Definitely one of those edge of your seat reads. I liked the vulnerability of Jim. Even though he’s a tough ex-military man he is reeling from the loss of his wife and then thrown into an unbelievable situation with Miguel. The bond between the two makes this story special. Definitely recommend reading.
I received a copy for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Definitely one of those edge of your seat reads. I liked the vulnerability of Jim. Even though he’s a tough ex-military man he is reeling from the loss of his wife and then thrown into an unbelievable situation with Miguel. The bond between the two makes this story special. Definitely recommend reading.
I received a copy for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
July 22, 2023
I got a free copy of this book from the publisher in a galley giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
I read the book first, then saw the movie. I like them both, but there are differences. I'm not sure if the novelization was written from the screenplay before the movie was made or what, but there are differing plot points between the two. The movie is a very spare version of the story, whereas the novelization has a lot more dialog, backstory, and explanation of the motivations of the characters. Understandable, because there is only so much you can fit into a movie. I think they pair well together. If you see the movie first, reading the novelization will help to flesh out the story, even though certain things happen differently, especially an important scene at the end. Speaking of the end, I wasn't crazy about the novelization's interpretation of it. The movie was better, because you could draw your own conclusions.
I read the book first, then saw the movie. I like them both, but there are differences. I'm not sure if the novelization was written from the screenplay before the movie was made or what, but there are differing plot points between the two. The movie is a very spare version of the story, whereas the novelization has a lot more dialog, backstory, and explanation of the motivations of the characters. Understandable, because there is only so much you can fit into a movie. I think they pair well together. If you see the movie first, reading the novelization will help to flesh out the story, even though certain things happen differently, especially an important scene at the end. Speaking of the end, I wasn't crazy about the novelization's interpretation of it. The movie was better, because you could draw your own conclusions.
September 6, 2023
Jim Hanson, an ex-Marine sniper, has known hardship, but nothing could have prepared him for the crucible of despair that life thrust upon him. His existence as a humble rancher on the Arizona-Mexico border is shattered by the relentless assault of two adversaries: financial ruin, stemming from his wife's harrowing battle with cancer, and the devastating emotional void left in its wake. Yet, in the darkest moments, fate has something unexpected in store for him.
The pivotal encounter with a young Mexican boy named Miguel and his desperate mother, fleeing from the clutches of a ruthless drug cartel, sets the stage for a gripping tale of courage and redemption. Jim's initial call to the Border Patrol is met with a nightmarish twist as cartel soldiers descended upon him, demanding the surrender of the mother and son. Unyielding in his resolve, Jim refuses to bow to their threats, igniting a blistering shootout that leaves Miguel's mother fatally wounded. Her final plea to Jim, a heartfelt request to safeguard her son's future, reverberated through the desolate desert landscape just moments before her passing.
With the weight of Miguel's life thrust upon him, Jim now faces a relentless adversary, the cartel's lead assassin, and Border Patrol Agents determined to deport the boy, a sentence tantamount to death. A desperate odyssey unfolds as Jim transforms into Miguel's unwavering protector, their journey evolving into a pulse-pounding race from the arid Arizona borderlands to the urban chaos of Chicago. In the crucible of danger, they form an unbreakable bond, defying the odds as the most improbable pair of fugitives, while simultaneously embarking on a profound journey of healing from the wounds of profound loss.
This electrifying reimagination of recent The Marksman film as an action-packed, character-driven novel is nothing short of brilliant. From the very first sentence, it ensnares the reader's imagination, refusing to release its grip until the final page is turned. The narrative pulses with an intensity that keeps hearts racing, evoking the heady thrill of danger and the profound depths of human resilience. Mercier's skillful storytelling turns what was once a cinematic experience into a gripping literary adventure.
The pivotal encounter with a young Mexican boy named Miguel and his desperate mother, fleeing from the clutches of a ruthless drug cartel, sets the stage for a gripping tale of courage and redemption. Jim's initial call to the Border Patrol is met with a nightmarish twist as cartel soldiers descended upon him, demanding the surrender of the mother and son. Unyielding in his resolve, Jim refuses to bow to their threats, igniting a blistering shootout that leaves Miguel's mother fatally wounded. Her final plea to Jim, a heartfelt request to safeguard her son's future, reverberated through the desolate desert landscape just moments before her passing.
With the weight of Miguel's life thrust upon him, Jim now faces a relentless adversary, the cartel's lead assassin, and Border Patrol Agents determined to deport the boy, a sentence tantamount to death. A desperate odyssey unfolds as Jim transforms into Miguel's unwavering protector, their journey evolving into a pulse-pounding race from the arid Arizona borderlands to the urban chaos of Chicago. In the crucible of danger, they form an unbreakable bond, defying the odds as the most improbable pair of fugitives, while simultaneously embarking on a profound journey of healing from the wounds of profound loss.
This electrifying reimagination of recent The Marksman film as an action-packed, character-driven novel is nothing short of brilliant. From the very first sentence, it ensnares the reader's imagination, refusing to release its grip until the final page is turned. The narrative pulses with an intensity that keeps hearts racing, evoking the heady thrill of danger and the profound depths of human resilience. Mercier's skillful storytelling turns what was once a cinematic experience into a gripping literary adventure.
August 21, 2023
A heartwrenching thriller. At the start of The Marksman, retired Marine, Jim, is struggling to keep his Arizona farm afloat after the loss of his loving wife Christine. Meanwhile, across the border, a woman named Rosa and her son Miguel are forced to run from the cartel. Rosa has a bag of the cartel's money, and they will happily kill to get it back. As they cross the border onto Jim's land, he is forced to intervene, putting his skill as a sniper to good use when the cartel shows up. Unfortunately, he is too late to save Rosa. As she lies dying, Jim promises to get Miguel to his aunt in Chicago. But the journey won't be an easy one. The cartel is hot on their heels, and they have eyes everywhere.
This was a wild ride. A lot of action, and a lot of heart. Both Jim and Miguel have to deal with tragic losses, and are able to help each other along the way. It was nice to watch them connect throughout their journey. I also enjoyed the connection between Jim and his stepdaughter, Sarah, a Border Patrol agent. And Jackson.. oh my heart. Such a good dog! I'd be interested in seeing the Netflix film, though as much as I cried while reading this novel adaptation, I'm not sure I'm prepared to watch a live action version yet. There's a ton of high stakes action and a lot of emotion in this thriller. Would recommend
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a wild ride. A lot of action, and a lot of heart. Both Jim and Miguel have to deal with tragic losses, and are able to help each other along the way. It was nice to watch them connect throughout their journey. I also enjoyed the connection between Jim and his stepdaughter, Sarah, a Border Patrol agent. And Jackson.. oh my heart. Such a good dog! I'd be interested in seeing the Netflix film, though as much as I cried while reading this novel adaptation, I'm not sure I'm prepared to watch a live action version yet. There's a ton of high stakes action and a lot of emotion in this thriller. Would recommend
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 27, 2023
Note: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am not affiliated with the publisher, nor did I receive any other incentives.
The Marksman is an incredibly moving story that follows the unlikely pairing of a bitter, alcoholic war veteran and the illegal immigrant child he’s forced to protect as they flee from a Mexican drug cartel to the safety of Chicago. Along their journey, the pair encounters tension caused by not only the differences in their cultures and personalities, but also the constant threat on their lives. With every odd stacked against them, the two must learn to grow from each other and set aside past wounds if they hope to stand any chance at surviving.
To call this book a page-turner would be doing it a disservice, because while you’re eager to encounter what happens next, you also feel compelled to linger on each descriptive word, recognizing the beauty of each setting painted by the authors. That same imagery only compounds the gorgeous transformations and intense tribulations that not only our heroes go through, but the villains, as well. Their journey is a new experience from the film, and the time given to them in this novel does wonders for the overall tension and drama.
If you so much as liked the film version of The Marksman, you’re going to love this adaptation. I look forward to adding the physical copy to my bookshelf upon release, right alongside my other favorites.
The Marksman is an incredibly moving story that follows the unlikely pairing of a bitter, alcoholic war veteran and the illegal immigrant child he’s forced to protect as they flee from a Mexican drug cartel to the safety of Chicago. Along their journey, the pair encounters tension caused by not only the differences in their cultures and personalities, but also the constant threat on their lives. With every odd stacked against them, the two must learn to grow from each other and set aside past wounds if they hope to stand any chance at surviving.
To call this book a page-turner would be doing it a disservice, because while you’re eager to encounter what happens next, you also feel compelled to linger on each descriptive word, recognizing the beauty of each setting painted by the authors. That same imagery only compounds the gorgeous transformations and intense tribulations that not only our heroes go through, but the villains, as well. Their journey is a new experience from the film, and the time given to them in this novel does wonders for the overall tension and drama.
If you so much as liked the film version of The Marksman, you’re going to love this adaptation. I look forward to adding the physical copy to my bookshelf upon release, right alongside my other favorites.
August 21, 2023
The novel The Marksman hooked me from Page One and never let go. It’s a true page-turner, but not your ordinary fast-paced thriller. Yes, it zips along and bristles with action and conflict from start to finish, but it also teems with strong, realistic characterization and best of all, to me, heart and humanity.
Beneath the riveting story is the real-life impact of life choices: those we make, those made for us, and how we manage to live with the consequences. Even the “bad guys” (who are sincerely frightening) have their story. It is a contemporary tale providing a multi-layered look at the extremely complicated world of cartels and border control and human beings desperately fighting for their lives. Love and death, loss and honor, are all rolled up in a crackling plot.
I was mightily impressed by the writing itself. It's excellent. The authors use crisp, concise language, and even take clever creative license with conventional sentence structure, in order to effectively reinforce the pace and urgency. And yet I would call the writing eloquent. The short, clipped sentences are somehow packed with vivid imagery, and piercing sensory detail that had me marveling throughout. The story is full of passion and pathos—heart and humanity— and when I got to the end, with a lump in my throat, I thought “This is a beautiful book.”
Beneath the riveting story is the real-life impact of life choices: those we make, those made for us, and how we manage to live with the consequences. Even the “bad guys” (who are sincerely frightening) have their story. It is a contemporary tale providing a multi-layered look at the extremely complicated world of cartels and border control and human beings desperately fighting for their lives. Love and death, loss and honor, are all rolled up in a crackling plot.
I was mightily impressed by the writing itself. It's excellent. The authors use crisp, concise language, and even take clever creative license with conventional sentence structure, in order to effectively reinforce the pace and urgency. And yet I would call the writing eloquent. The short, clipped sentences are somehow packed with vivid imagery, and piercing sensory detail that had me marveling throughout. The story is full of passion and pathos—heart and humanity— and when I got to the end, with a lump in my throat, I thought “This is a beautiful book.”
November 27, 2023
This is a very enjoyable, engaging read. While it is the typical "running from the cartel killers" type story with guns blazing, car chases, and crooked officials, Ms. Mercier adds several unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader off kilter. There were a couple of events I could have done without (I cry VERY easily), but all in all, it was a great story. Our hero here is a man who feels that his life is over and that he has lost everything. Ms. Mercier manages to make this come across as an almost visceral reaction for the reader. Jim Hanson's pain becomes all too real, but she offers Jim and the reader hope and doesn't leave them bereft. Once Jim looks outside of himself he discovers that there is always something to be done to help others. Then the reader, along with our hero, discovers that when we are helping others and not focusing on ourselves, we are living our best lives.
I highly recommend this book but also recommend that you keep a box of tissues close by. Some of you big, strong men may discover you need one, too.
I received a review copy via eBookDiscovery and this is my honest opinion.
I highly recommend this book but also recommend that you keep a box of tissues close by. Some of you big, strong men may discover you need one, too.
I received a review copy via eBookDiscovery and this is my honest opinion.
September 1, 2023
I’m a fan of The Marksman movie, so I figured I’d enjoy the novel as well. What I never expected was that I’d like it even better than the film. The authors’ concise, vivid writing hooked me from the first sentence. I was truly immersed in the world they created and loved finding out how the characters’ lives were shaped as well as how those experiences would prepare them for what unfolds in the story. Even smaller roles in the film became larger and more consequential in the book.
Like the movie, the book has many layers. It’s an immigrant’s tale, a modern Western, and a suspense/thriller. But despite all the action and thrills, the authors never forget how at its core, The Marksman is a character-driven road narrative about two unlikely people helping each other heal. And it’s those universal themes about love, loss, pain, and purpose that elevate this book and make it special.
I look forward to revisiting the book and movie. Both are highly recommended!
Like the movie, the book has many layers. It’s an immigrant’s tale, a modern Western, and a suspense/thriller. But despite all the action and thrills, the authors never forget how at its core, The Marksman is a character-driven road narrative about two unlikely people helping each other heal. And it’s those universal themes about love, loss, pain, and purpose that elevate this book and make it special.
I look forward to revisiting the book and movie. Both are highly recommended!
July 3, 2023
Note: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am not affiliated with the publisher, nor did I receive any other incentives.
I really loved this book- action packed but with a strong emotional core. By the time the cross country portion starts you will be too hooked to put it down. The characters leave strong impressions and the world within feels so real and strong. There was certainly at least one major moment that I teared up at.
A great read if you’re looking for some adventure but perhaps a little bittersweet in tone.
My one negative is if you speak Spanish, a lot of the dialogue is repetitive. It will be like “hola” they said. “Hello.” I understand the point is not everyone speaks Spanish but it is a little tedious if you do. Also sometimes the translations are not 1 to 1.
But I recommend people read especially if they liked the movie.
I really loved this book- action packed but with a strong emotional core. By the time the cross country portion starts you will be too hooked to put it down. The characters leave strong impressions and the world within feels so real and strong. There was certainly at least one major moment that I teared up at.
A great read if you’re looking for some adventure but perhaps a little bittersweet in tone.
My one negative is if you speak Spanish, a lot of the dialogue is repetitive. It will be like “hola” they said. “Hello.” I understand the point is not everyone speaks Spanish but it is a little tedious if you do. Also sometimes the translations are not 1 to 1.
But I recommend people read especially if they liked the movie.
July 1, 2023
I found myself surprised a quite a few turns in the story, each time expecting an outcome that was most pleasantly different than what I was predicting. The development of the characters, the overall moral centerline of the main character, and the building of friendship between Jim and Miguel was really great to follow. Having traveled to the Juarez area before, I imagined how such a situation could easily happen.
I'd recommend this to anyone that can identify with having a strong moral centerline to themselves, looking for good or ways to do good even when what surrounds us might not seem that way. Keeping true to that internal compass is a powerful motivator and guide.
I'd recommend this to anyone that can identify with having a strong moral centerline to themselves, looking for good or ways to do good even when what surrounds us might not seem that way. Keeping true to that internal compass is a powerful motivator and guide.
August 9, 2023
I gave up reading fiction thrillers several years ago as I found them too repetitive and often predictable. Through a friend, I received a copy of this book from Bookfunnel which I have just finished reading. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the story. I found it difficult to put down as it was riveting, fast-moving and thrilling. The story flowed very well from beginning to end and left me with a feeling of wanting the sequel to Jim and Miguel's lives. The drug cartel and Border Patrol and law enforcement sequences were vivid,credible and gripping. All in all, a very enjoyable book that has me looking forward to the sequel !
August 25, 2023
I just LOVE it! Honestly, it's one of my favorite books I've ever read! It's so interesting and so REAL! I loved all these characters so much! My emotions were all rattled up and I was PRAYING for them the ENTIRE time! And then I experienced something I've never felt before... the 'bad guy' is absolutely sinister but there was something so incredibly compelling that I wanted to read a whole prequel just about him! I can't even explain it!!! The style in which the story is told is phenomenal and I loved reading the characters' inner thoughts. Every time I picked up this book, I was instantly transported to another world. I loved it so much! And I really hope that there is a sequel!!
August 29, 2023
The story of Jim and Miguel caught my attention from the start and kept me reading until the end. You get a sense of the power, the network, and the motivation of the cartel. It's also a heartfelt look at Jim's outlook on life, what he feels is his purpose. He follows his heart and does what he feels is the right thing to do, even though he's suffering grief and loneliness. He teaches Miguel by example of the right thing to do. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2023
The Marksman paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind of each character, location, and instance. I don't have a lot of time to read but the story was so compelling that I couldn't put the book down and read it in one night! I cried, laughed, and felt empathy for each character, all of whom are multi-dimensional. It felt like they could be real. I saw the movie and feel that the book provides greater insight such that I could relate to it much more. Give the book a read first then see the movie. You won't be disappointed!
August 4, 2023
I was somewhat disappointed by this book. The story was great, but the writing was off for me. It was like. The sentences would randomly end in the middle of. The sentence and then a new one would start where it shouldn’t. Like this. It drove me crazy and it was throughout the whole book. Was it done on purpose? Maybe, but it drove me crazy regardless. If I’m able to look past that the story itself was interesting, full of loss and finding yourself and doing the right thing. Exciting with the gunfights and the dread of the cartel showing up. But overall I couldn’t get past the writing itself.
August 30, 2023
Heart wrenching and heart stopping action. Quit reading this type of story many years ago and switched to cozy mysteries. A definite change of pace. Not certain I was going to complete the book when I started but then got caught up in it and stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. I understand why it was made into a movie. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
August 31, 2023
I don’t often read a book after seeing the movie but in this case I was pleasantly surprised. The movie was very good but I was really drawn into the novel by the additional depth in character development and some slight deviations from the cinematic version of the story. I loved the story, the flawed characters making them more real and relatable. I highly recommend The Marksman novel -great story!
June 2, 2023
A action filled emotional thriller. It tugged at my heart strings and made it race at the same time. With drug cartels and fugitives it is a suspense filled book. My heart broke for the unlikely comrades on the run but I was thrilled that they had each other. I haven't watched the movie yet but I hope it is as good as the book. Love!
September 7, 2023
We live in very polarized times. Most anecdotes I hear about the border are filtered either through a left or right wing political lens. This book is unique in that its main goal is telling a great story about our border in a way that humanizes everyone involved.
Serves as a great companion piece to the Liam Neeson movie (which I also highly recommend), or as a standalone read.
Serves as a great companion piece to the Liam Neeson movie (which I also highly recommend), or as a standalone read.
October 2, 2023
I loved the movie and I loved the book even more because it gave a more descriptive telling of the emotional story. From the intense storyline and captivating characters to the great writing, this is a fabulous read. I recommend this book and this movie to everyone. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 17, 2023
One word... WOW.... received from Hidden Gems, this was a great read. Fabulous characters, the story kept me turning pages late into the night. No spoilers here, but... that ending! I have to find out where the movie is.
October 3, 2023
Awesome
Reminded me a bit of Cormac McCarthy writing.. Deep, introspective. This was one of th rare.instances where th book was better than the movie. Loved it and was.sorry to see it and
Reminded me a bit of Cormac McCarthy writing.. Deep, introspective. This was one of th rare.instances where th book was better than the movie. Loved it and was.sorry to see it and
May 5, 2025
The story was stale and predictable. It was difficult to connect to the characters or care about their journey. Jim’s trauma brought on by his military service was unbelievable and lacked depth and Miguel’s background felt too sparse.
June 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I normally do not deviate from my list of authors I read, but I am glad I did!!
August 29, 2023
Really great book! I watched a movie and the book complements it really well.
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October 12, 2023Danny Kravitz ’92
Coauthor
Coauthor
April 18, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and I found Miguel's accent a little annoying.
Great story though.
Great story though.
May 26, 2024
Just finished The Marksman on Audio. Swell story of Border crossing to escape the Cartel, second lease on life for rancher vet, youngster flung in to adulthood.
November 23, 2025
When an older man comes across a mom and boy crossing the border and being chased by cartel members, he makes a choice to help them. As they run, many shots are fired and many lessons learned.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews