Among Wolves

Shepherd and Fox #2

by Brian Christopher Shea, Kristi Belcamino

They were promised a simple job. Now they’re fighting for their lives.

When a so-called “easy op” to protect business tycoon Drake Cryer on a shady deal goes horribly wrong, former Delta Force operative Shepherd and his top-notch partner Lucky are faced with a situation that’s quickly spiraling into chaos. The pair are catapulted into a deadly mission to escape the clutches of a vicious Russian warlord.

Forced to team up with the infamous Darcy Brothers—a legendary mercenary duo with an uncanny ability to cheat death—Shepherd and Lucky must push their skills to the brink if they want to get out alive.

But they’re stranded deep in hostile territory. With a sinister extortion plot hanging over the head of the CEO they swore to protect, Shepherd and his team will need to dance with the devil as they carry out a cunning plan to escape the country in one piece.

Death lurks around every corner, and there is no safety among wolves...

As the explosive sequel in the action-packed Shepherd and Fox thriller series, USA Today bestselling authors Brian Shea and Kristi Belcamino deliver a suspense-fueled thrill ride that’s perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, David Baldacci’s The Innocent, and Jack Carr’s The Terminal List.

Genres: Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Adventure

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2024

About the author

Author also writes under Brian Shea

BRIAN CHRISTOPHER SHEA has spent most of his adult life in service to his country and local community. He honorably served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In his civilian life, he reached the rank of Detective and accrued ten years of law enforcement experience between Texas and Connecticut. Somewhere in the mix he spent five years as a fifth-grade school teacher. Brian’s myriad of life experience is woven into the tapestry of each character’s design. He resides in New England and is blessed with an amazing wife and three beautiful daughters.

Writing has always been a dream, but life seemed to find a way of interrupting. It wasn’t until recently that he dedicated time to this passion. His first book, The Camel’s Back, gave him a much-needed mental break from his work investigating atrocities against children. He allotted time in the morning each day. Usually waking at 5 to bang away on his manuscript. The second round of daily writing would occur after his children were asleep. He proved that working full-time and raising a family were no longer valid excuses to putting off his novel.

Reviews

[David Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action-packed thriller!
Among Wolves, the second in the Shepherd and Fox series was an action-packed thriller. Set in Russia this story had a decidedly different tone than Shepherd and the Fox that I found to be interesting. The story centers around a few main themes, one of which is all too real and should be a subject of investigation in real life. The story also has more interpersonal interaction from all the characters than I remember in the first book. In fact, my favorite character in this story may just be a little boy. He and his sister brought an interesting aspect to the story. I was given an Advance Copy of the audiobook by the publisher and have based my review on listing to the story told by Mr. Eric Altheide. Eric brought this story to life through his excellent pacing and character voices.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn Rivers" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Shepard and Fox relaxing in Spain when they learn that Max has another job for them. This job is to protect Max's financial expert, Mako, while she checks the books that Max discovered he had in Russia. It was expected to be a simple job for them to handle.

When they arrive at the Russian border, it is being attacked by a Russian terrorist group and they have to fight their way in. It doesn't get any better qhwn they arrive at the factory and in the end have to fight their way.


Discover what type of business found he invested in, what obstacles Cryder, the plant owner created and how it all worked out in the end. If you like action, then this book is for you.

[Victoria Postlewait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Among Wolves definitely brings the fast-paced action and suspense, but overall it felt a little too over-the-top for me. The story reads like a throwback to an '80s action movie — complete with tough-talking characters, dramatic shootouts, and a lot of cliché moments. Depending on your mood, that could be fun… or a bit much.

Personally, I struggled to connect with the characters. They felt more like action movie tropes than real people, and some of the dialogue was cringey or overly dramatic. The plot moves quickly, which helps keep things engaging, but I found myself rolling my eyes more than once.

That said, if you like that cheesy, high-stakes, gritty-cop vibe, you might enjoy this one more than I did. It's not badly written — just not really my thing.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun fast paced action thriller. When a businessman deals with a Russian warlord, what could go wrong? This was a fun and quick read. Very heavy on the action. Uncle Max decides to send a forensic accountant to find answers about some discrepancies regarding a plastics companies accounting and missing funds, things go south quickly. What should be a quick and easy mission for Sheperd, Lucky and Red ends up being a life or death situation that could have global impact.

4 stars

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend reading the first book to know about Shepherd and Fox. Their role is to protect an auditor at a facility in Russia. You’d think it was simple but there are many factors getting in the way. Despite the challenging job there’s an easy banter and relaxed professionalism between Shepherd and Lucky “Fox.” It’s a quick moving book, read in a few hours, and takes place over an entire day. Quite enjoyable and exciting, I read an early copy and gave my review voluntarily.

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of this new series after the first one and this is going to be the last one for me.

We find the same characters Fox, Shepherd and Red working for uber rich "Max" and called to investigate a plastics factory he owns in Russia. Two of the operations managers have been taken, tortured & killed by the local crime lord and his attempting to take over the factory.

The story line was ok but has some really gory scenes that could be edited a bit.

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shepherd and Lucky are slatted to do an easy job, protect Max’s financial guru, Mako, as she checks out a recycling company in at the Russian Poland border.
This easy job turns to be much more when they find themselves surrounded by deceit and money greed by owner and a Russian warlord, and a just arrived family totally oblivious to the nest they just stepped into.
Fast paced, interesting twist and turns, keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second Shepherd and Fox thriller is nonstop action. What begins as a simple protection job for Shepherd and Fox, quickly escalates into a rescue mission in the wilds of Russia. A violent Russian warlord has attacked a recycling plant and innocent workers and their families are caught in the crossfire. It should be noted that as with many thrillers of this type, descriptions of violence are relatively graphic and the focus is on the action more than substantial in-depth character development. That being said, if you’re a fan of action thrillers, you’re sure to like this well written series. I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook which is well narrated and offers another great opportunity to enjoy this book.

[Jeff Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among Wolves

I am enjoying this series. Both books have been good. Characters are getting developed nicely. Plenty of action. Good story lines. I was familiar with Kristi, having read all of her books. Brian was a new author to me. I definitely like the way they work together. Will check out his other books now. Looking forward to the next Shepherd and Fox book. Recommended.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the characters, the story was a little of a stretch. Good quick read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shepherd and Lucky will be lucky to get away with their lives. This is a very dangerous assignment with lots of secrets. Will they be able to solve the case in time. Ready for more.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read!

Off to Russia to save a village from an evil tyrant. Full of twists and turns.What at page turner! Definitely a great read!

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among Wolves

What a great read, hard to put down. Great story by great storytellers. Shepherd and Fox are a dynamic duo, their backup Red and now a new team member Colton Darcy.

[Penny Evenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series!!! Very suspenseful with short chapters!

[Joann 'bartunek' prashek · Rating 3 out of 5]

listened to the audiobook

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former Delta Force operative Shepherd and his partner Lucky are sent to Russia on an “easy assignment” when all hell breaks loose. Instead of chaperoning a single analyst on Uncle Max’s dime, they’re suddenly protecting a group of innocent employees and their families from a maniacal CEO and the local mafia, the head of which uses wild wolves trained to rip apart his enemies on command.

This thriller is action-packed and as thrilling as advertised. This is the second book in the series but I didn’t read the first book and had no problems getting into this storyline right away. The kids they had to save were incredibly annoying and I would have left them behind in a heartbeat, but other than that, I really enjoyed this thriller.

I listened to the audiobook on this one and Eric Altheide did a great job narrating.

And this series is available for free with #KindleUnlimited.

Thank you, @SevernRiverPublishing and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.