Stinger: An International Thriller

by Gregory D Lee

"A superbly written work of thriller fiction!" -Christopher Amato, author of Shadow InvestigationIt's February 2023. An Alluring and determined CIA Case Officer, June Cohen, must flawlessly execute an unsanctioned plan of action or the U.S. will invade Iraq to search for weapons of mass destruction.She coerces Robaire Assaly, a Los Angeles based DEA Confidential Informant, to take part in her elaborate scheme. Robaire agrees, however, in doing so, he must betray his long-time DEA Agent handler, Gary Lowery, to get what she needs. Robaire soon realizes June has tricked him into taking the blame for stealing a Stinger missile, which she pulled off right under the nose of the hapless FBI.The duped FBI and Gary desperately want Robaire. He's now frantically on the run as an international fugitive with the FBI and Gary relentlessly pursuing him and the stolen Stinger before it is used against an unknown target. However, June finds Robaire first before he can reveal the CIA's involvement to the Feds.

307 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2024

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If high-stakes espionage and morally complex situations get your heart racing, Stinger delivers a relentless and nerve-wracking thriller. Gregory D. Lee crafts a story set against the backdrop of global intrigue, terrorism, and betrayal, beginning with a heart-stopping kidnapping in Lebanon and spiraling into a tangled web of secret deals and dangerous alliances. The plot centers on Robaire Assaly, a former DEA informant coerced by the CIA into a precarious operation to secure a Stinger missile for a shadowy buyer in hopes of rescuing his kidnapped family. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Lee pulls no punches as he propels the reader through a world where trust is a luxury no one can afford.

What I loved most about Stinger is its pacing. The story starts with a bang, literally with an intense kidnapping scene that had me gripping the edges of the book. The writing here is visceral; I could feel the tension as the characters navigated dangerous roads in Beirut. Lee’s law enforcement background shines through in meticulous detail, lending authenticity to the narrative. However, some readers might find the intricate plotting around the mechanics of acquiring and dealing military-grade weapons overly technical—it’s fascinating but can feel dense if you’re here more for the thrill than the intricacies.

The characters are where this book really stands out. Robaire Assaly, the reluctant hero, is both flawed and endearing. His desperation to save his family while balancing the fine line of deceit makes him a character you root for, even when he’s making questionable choices. One of my favorite moments was when Robaire is forced to interact with Amir Rahimi, a suave and calculating villain who exudes menace with every word. Their conversations, layered with subtext and tension, were some of the most gripping parts of the novel.

The setting is another triumph of the book. Whether it’s the chaotic streets of Beirut or the shadowy corners of Los Angeles, Lee paints vivid pictures that feel alive and real. The scenes in the Bonaventure Hotel, where a pivotal meeting takes place, are particularly well-drawn, dripping with suspense as layers of deception unfold.

Stinger is a rollercoaster of suspense, betrayal, and survival. I would highly recommend it to fans of international thrillers. While the book’s heavy use of procedural detail may not be for everyone, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a story steeped in realism and moral complexity.

[Christopher Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stinger: An International Thriller is a superbly written work of fiction in the thriller genre. From page one, the author draws the reader in and never lets go, producing a totally believable story about what might have been in a time shortly before the demise of Saddam Hussein in the Gulf War. The book opens with a breathless scene depicting a kidnapping, then follows the efforts by multiple American government law enforcement agencies to orchestrate a daring undercover deal, and in its wake, to then solve a great mystery of who did what and why. Trying to separate the good and bad guys is part of the game, and one that you won’t want to stop, until you've learned everything. It’s obvious the author used his many years of experience in the world of law enforcement to write a believable and credible but fantastic and highly entertaining story.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Stinger, Greg Lee's intimate knowledge of the government's inner workings and military operations shines through, immersing readers in a world where the boundaries of right and wrong blur. This gripping tale exposes the lengths to which government officials are willing to go, even at the cost of their own principles, in the pursuit of what they perceive as the greater good.

Prepare to be swept up in a fast-paced thriller that blends relentless action, shocking revelations, and moral dilemmas. Stinger is a riveting tour de force that will leave you questioning the sacrifices made in the name of justice.

[Mike Fredericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Stinger. It’s the first book in quite a while that I found difficult to put down. Gregory Lee’s career experience is evidenced in the twists and turns of this international cliff-hanger. His personal history with US Army CID, and as a DEA Special Agent gives him the inside knowledge of dealing with government law enforcement and intelligence agencies: the turf battles, the personal relationships, and the bureaucracy, in attempting to thwart an international terror plot. It lives up to the pre-published reviews. Five Stars!

[Gary Gerlacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee’s DEA experience is obvious from page one in this thriller. A stolen stinger missile, an international manhunt, infighting among government agencies and betrayal at the highest levels make this hard to put down. If you’re looking for an international thriller with authenticity, look no further!

[Vanessa Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

It definitely wasn't written by an accomplished author. The writing was very cliché and obviously manly. There were too many stereotypical exchanges and sayings, and the sexual content was very predictable. I kept rolling my eyes at the story.
I didn't hate the book, but I do regret recommending it to my book club before reading it myself.

[Robert W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Read

The book was interesting with lots of twists and turns, yet easy to follow. Obviously, the author spent lots of time working in the shadows in order to write what I think is a well thought out story of life in the shadows.

[Richard Widup · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Jack Reacher, you'll like this book as well! the author developed a good plot with good character development as well. This is a page turner for certain! Hoping the author continues to turn out some more books!

[Doreen Dart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time to get attached

New genre for me. With that said I was 56% into the book until I finally was excited to read it. Made it difficult to get to that point. Thankful it picked up and glad how it ended.