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Ian Kelly Thrillers #1
Stray Bullets
Blood has always flown easy for Ian Kelly.
He's spent a double life as part of a secret government program. Plucked from the foster care system at a young age for exhibiting a rare personality profile, trained to kill, then set loose on enemies of the free world.
These days blood is thicker.
With two grown kids old enough to be asking too many questions. Raising themselves while Ian travels the globe on official murder business.
But Ian tells himself, just one more mission, because world peace means someone has to kill the killers. His latest assignment has him sent to Dubai to investigate a wealthy playboy who the CIA thinks is dealing weapons. Back home, his son Brandon has taken his mother's murder investigation into his own hands. The police chalked it up as an incidental slaying from gangland crossfire. But there's something odd about the lack of news coverage and haphazard homicide report.
Ian is deep into his mission when he catches word of his son's sleuthing, putting him on a clock to eliminate his target and race home before Brandon follows a trail that could lead him to his father's true identity, or worse, the Cartels.
Dexter meets The Gray Man in this pulse-pounding thriller perfect for fans of Coben, Child, and Greaney.
He's spent a double life as part of a secret government program. Plucked from the foster care system at a young age for exhibiting a rare personality profile, trained to kill, then set loose on enemies of the free world.
These days blood is thicker.
With two grown kids old enough to be asking too many questions. Raising themselves while Ian travels the globe on official murder business.
But Ian tells himself, just one more mission, because world peace means someone has to kill the killers. His latest assignment has him sent to Dubai to investigate a wealthy playboy who the CIA thinks is dealing weapons. Back home, his son Brandon has taken his mother's murder investigation into his own hands. The police chalked it up as an incidental slaying from gangland crossfire. But there's something odd about the lack of news coverage and haphazard homicide report.
Ian is deep into his mission when he catches word of his son's sleuthing, putting him on a clock to eliminate his target and race home before Brandon follows a trail that could lead him to his father's true identity, or worse, the Cartels.
Dexter meets The Gray Man in this pulse-pounding thriller perfect for fans of Coben, Child, and Greaney.
- GenresMystery
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
159 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 15, 2024
Stray Bullets by Robert James had me hooked from the start! I really enjoyed the character development. In this book, you follow an assassin (Ian) through a thrilling and dangerous overseas mission as his family is experiencing their own turmoil back in the US. Ian’s family doesn’t know who he really is, but his past begins to be dug up in this suspenseful thriller. This puts Ian and him family in jeopardy. Stray Bullets is the first book in the series, which is important to note going into reading. I, otherwise, would not have been satisfied with the ending. I look forward to reading the next one! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2024
This was one that I had to push my way through. Confusing intermingling of characters that might have been less so if I read larger chunks at a time. Little strange ending that left me wondering what might happen in the future.
May 20, 2024
This is a 5 star 🌟 plus read. There is so much going on in this story, that I had to sit and decompress from it all before I could write a review. This was a very intense , raw ,
and gripping story . I empathized with Ian and the life he had to live, and the work/jobs
he had to do. He had no choices, in reality. Whether Brandon was inspired or repulsed after viewing the video, I'm not sure. He was very quick to judge his dad before he had all the facts. The whole story was adrenaline, suspenseful, and impactful. It made me feel a great many feelings like fear, anger , remorse and more. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
and gripping story . I empathized with Ian and the life he had to live, and the work/jobs
he had to do. He had no choices, in reality. Whether Brandon was inspired or repulsed after viewing the video, I'm not sure. He was very quick to judge his dad before he had all the facts. The whole story was adrenaline, suspenseful, and impactful. It made me feel a great many feelings like fear, anger , remorse and more. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
May 23, 2024
I love this genre in books and movies. Had me interested from the first chapter. I thought it was slow to start but then if it is a first book of a series you have to introduce the complex characters. I found the protagonist likeable and adept at this profession. The story was good and the way it ended has definitely left it open for a new book. This is the first book I have read by this Author and will most certainly read more of his work.
October 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Stray Bullets: Ian Kelly Book 1 by Robert James is a pulse-pounding thriller that introduces readers to Ian Kelly, a man leading a double life as a covert operative for a secret government program. This debut novel in the Ian Kelly series is a gripping tale of espionage, family secrets, and relentless action.
The story follows Ian Kelly, who was plucked from the foster care system at a young age due to his unique personality profile and trained to eliminate threats to national security. Now, with two grown children who are starting to ask too questions, Ian is torn between his dangerous profession and his responsibilities as a father. His latest mission takes him to Dubai, where he must investigate a wealthy playboy suspected of dealing weapons. Meanwhile, back home, his son Brandon is delving into the unsolved murder of his mother, a case the police have dismissed as gang-related crossfire.
Robert James crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is meticulously constructed, blending elements of spy fiction with a deeply personal story of a father trying to protect his family. The dual timelines of Ian’s mission in Dubai and Brandon’s investigation back home create a compelling tension that drives the story forward.
Ian Kelly is a complex protagonist, balancing his lethal skills with his love for his children. His internal struggle and the moral ambiguities of his work add depth to his character, making him both relatable and intriguing. Brandon’s determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s death adds an emotional layer to the story, highlighting the impact of Ian’s secret life on his family.
James’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the high-stakes world of espionage with vivid detail. The action scenes are particularly well-executed, providing a cinematic quality to the narrative. The book’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of secrecy adds a thought-provoking dimension to the thriller.
Stray Bullets is a must-read for fans of espionage thrillers and action-packed narratives.
Stray Bullets: Ian Kelly Book 1 by Robert James is a pulse-pounding thriller that introduces readers to Ian Kelly, a man leading a double life as a covert operative for a secret government program. This debut novel in the Ian Kelly series is a gripping tale of espionage, family secrets, and relentless action.
The story follows Ian Kelly, who was plucked from the foster care system at a young age due to his unique personality profile and trained to eliminate threats to national security. Now, with two grown children who are starting to ask too questions, Ian is torn between his dangerous profession and his responsibilities as a father. His latest mission takes him to Dubai, where he must investigate a wealthy playboy suspected of dealing weapons. Meanwhile, back home, his son Brandon is delving into the unsolved murder of his mother, a case the police have dismissed as gang-related crossfire.
Robert James crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is meticulously constructed, blending elements of spy fiction with a deeply personal story of a father trying to protect his family. The dual timelines of Ian’s mission in Dubai and Brandon’s investigation back home create a compelling tension that drives the story forward.
Ian Kelly is a complex protagonist, balancing his lethal skills with his love for his children. His internal struggle and the moral ambiguities of his work add depth to his character, making him both relatable and intriguing. Brandon’s determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s death adds an emotional layer to the story, highlighting the impact of Ian’s secret life on his family.
James’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the high-stakes world of espionage with vivid detail. The action scenes are particularly well-executed, providing a cinematic quality to the narrative. The book’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of secrecy adds a thought-provoking dimension to the thriller.
Stray Bullets is a must-read for fans of espionage thrillers and action-packed narratives.
September 1, 2024
Great first book in the series. We meet a seemingly mild-mannered sales rep who just happens to be one of the government’s best assassins. While he is overseas, his family must live without him, not knowing who/what he really is. We follow him through another dangerous mission while also following his family’s issues at home. The story pulls all together very well and as an added plus gives us a teaser leading to the next book in the series. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
November 9, 2024
Good story, mechanics need work.
Good story. Needs editing. Lots of misspelled and incorrect words. Errors about guns. Luger isn't a 45 and it isn't a six shooter with a cylinder. Steal means take, not metal. Term is cartridge, not bullet. Others but there is promise.
Good story. Needs editing. Lots of misspelled and incorrect words. Errors about guns. Luger isn't a 45 and it isn't a six shooter with a cylinder. Steal means take, not metal. Term is cartridge, not bullet. Others but there is promise.
September 19, 2025
2.75 stars rounded up. It has its good moments, but overall it’s pretty meager and has too many overused plot lines and situations. I am sorry for the somewhat unflattering review, but I had high hopes for the story and was fairly disappointed.
January 6, 2026
Guilt, redemption.
A complex array of situations, personal, familiar, official. A lonely father struggling with secret job, his losing his wife and, trying to mend fences with his son and daughter, and his secret job. A great read. Conrad Samayoa.
A complex array of situations, personal, familiar, official. A lonely father struggling with secret job, his losing his wife and, trying to mend fences with his son and daughter, and his secret job. A great read. Conrad Samayoa.
February 2, 2026
Eyes Open -ALL THE TIME !
A thrilling a page with constantly changing plots ! Well written, fast moving and thoroughly enjoyed!Looking for a story outside of your normal perspective - THIS IS IT!
A thrilling a page with constantly changing plots ! Well written, fast moving and thoroughly enjoyed!Looking for a story outside of your normal perspective - THIS IS IT!
September 23, 2024
Thrilling read, grabbed and held my attention from beginning to end with great writing and interesting characters.
May 11, 2025
Stray Bullets
I couldn't stop reading the book. Kept me in the edge of my seat.
Love the story and the characters.
I couldn't stop reading the book. Kept me in the edge of my seat.
Love the story and the characters.
November 11, 2025
I loved it secret spy/contract killer has a family and is not what you expected. Taking care of his kids
November 17, 2025
What the heck?
I was reading along and enjoying the book . I turned the page and the book ended. I must have missed to be continued.
I was reading along and enjoying the book . I turned the page and the book ended. I must have missed to be continued.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews