Ghost Target

Alex Reeve #3

by Andy McDermott

EVERY OPERATIVE KNOWS THE RULES.
The mission comes first. You are a deniable asset. Betrayal is punished by death.

Alex Reeve - known as OPERATIVE 66 - is a former special-ops soldier and one of the UK's most lethal weapons. Previously a member of SC9, an elite covert unit with a remit to assassinate the country's enemies, Reeve was framed for treason and now lives a nomadic existence - as the merciless killers he once trained alongside hunt him down.

For a chance of a normal life, Reeve must expose and dismantle the sinister SC9. So when a series of brutal killings in Germany have all the hallmarks of an SC9 tactic - the murder of 'ghost targets', decoys to camouflage the true intended victim - Reeve finally sees opportunity for revenge.

Sucked into shadowy conspiracy involving dark global powers, Reeve will risk his life to save others - and to secure his freedom. But if there's one man with the skills to do so... it is Operative 66.

From the internationally bestselling author of the Wilde & Chase series comes an explosive new thriller - the perfect pulse-racing read for fans of LEE CHILD, VINCE FLYNN and GREGG HURWITZ.

Genres: Thriller, Action, Suspense

432 pages, Hardcover

First published July 6, 2023

About the author

Andy McDermott was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and now lives in Bournemouth. As a journalist and magazine editor, amongst other titles he edited DVD Review and the iconoclastic film publication Hotdog. Andy is now a full-time writer.

Reviews

[Beach Bum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good enough

It's somewhere between a 2* and 3* story and I just couldn't bring myself to round up
It gets to the point that the best operatives the UK has to offer become almost comical in their ineptness. The guy who is after Reeve, not only screws up, but screws up multiple times on each occasion making the situation worse both for him and SC9.
In the end your wondering who will screw up least, not who will do their best
An earlier review hoped/thought this would be the last, I did too. Unfortunately the ending of this, makes you see what the next book will be

[Leo Goldin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded. hopefully the last one

[Jacques Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ghost Target” offers a thrilling narrative reminiscent of the Bourne films, combining gritty realism with a superb storyline and just the right amount of action. Unlike some contemporary books that lean towards over-the-top action sequences, “Ghost Target” maintains a balanced and engaging approach. The novel’s ability to strike a balance between action and storytelling is one of its standout features.

Andy McDermott’s writing style and attention to detail contribute significantly to the book’s success. His ability to create a realistic and immersive world for the characters to inhabit adds depth to the storyline. This attention to detail helps readers become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey, making it all the more rewarding.

As a fan of the Bourne films, it’s understandable why “Ghost Target” resonated with me. Both the novel and the film series share a similar tone of suspense, intrigue, and well-executed action sequences. If you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers and enjoy the Bourne films, this book is definitely worth your time. Andy’s best book yet!

I listened to the audiobook on Audible, and Simon Mattacks's brilliant narration contributed to a finely polished novel.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former Special Operative, Alex Reeve is on the run from his former SC9 organisation, a ruthless and secret undercover British intelligence agency that is in the business of assassinations. Alex discovers a number of serial killer killings in Europe have the hallmarks of a Special Operative SC9 assassin who is also a doctor. But to find the killer he has to find the true target of the Operative. Heading to Zermatt and the Swiss alps of the Matterhorn mountain, he finds the target to protect her and also find the Operative and expose SC9 publicly.

Author Andy McDermott always writes a great thriller and he’s definitely a favourite author of mine.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Alex sees a story about the bondage killer, he believes it would be Lock, and his chance if he can catch him to take down SC9.

This is a good outing for Alex on his quest to be free, though in the process of that he puts Connie back in danger (and the book does end on a bit of a cliff hanger on that point).

I like how he needs to both beat Lock, but also work with him to avoid other parties that get sent after him, and the ongoing intrigue of what will or wont happen. There are a number of good action sequences, including the final one in the alps.

[Gary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild ride - deceipt, power, money, intrigue, and abundant action.

The latest Alex Reeve adventure is like the Tour de France with weapons. Long and arduous with competitors trying to take out the opposition - permanently. A good read, full of twists and turns, and at a speed which made me feel weary. Well done Andy

[Steven Batty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent installment of the Alex Reeve series of books. I enjoyed the escapism immensely.

By the looks of the ending a fourth novel could be on the cards. Reeve rescues Connie and rides off into the sunset. I do think that would be an ideal way to end the series as I can't see anymore mileage in it.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another excellent book in this very gripping series. The action is fast paced and constant with so many twists and turns in the plot. The cliff hangers at the end point to another great story in the next book.

[Geoffrey Cornish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the series stood up well again like each of the others. I started with the last which was excellent. A solid four stars and highly recommended for its action packed real time entertainment ! Bravo!!

[Michael Nardino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read better and worse books. This one was very OK at best I will not be returning to see what’s next for Alex Reeves

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Ross gets himself into the agency’s business.

[Susan Toovey]

8

[Russ Geraghty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cracker

Very good story, well written, nice development of characters with clear future links for more books in the series. Enjoyable.

[Kate Haddad · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a storyline that began in the first novel (Operative 66), Alex Reeve continues to elude SC9, a British assassin unit he was part of, until he became the scapegoat, and goes in search of the true criminals, at the height of British government.

This installment has Alex investigating a number of what appear to be serial killings across Europe, but bear the hallmarks of one of his former SC9 compatriots, who is a medical doctor. He realizes these serial murders are the way to disguise the doctor’s real objective. In order to find the killer, Alex must find out who the true target of the Operative.

The story plays out much like a Jason Bourne story, with a perfect mix of action and storytelling that had me reading on late into the night. Andy McDermott’s attention to detail contributes to creating a realistic, immersive world which is totally believable and I am completely invested in what happens to Alex and his ghost target.

The reader of the audiobook is also spectacular, which boosts my enjoyment even more.