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Leine Basso Thriller #14
Final Encounter: A Leine Basso Thriller
A former assassin, a disgraced-cop, and a cyber-security expert race to stop a relentless cyber-terrorist determined to sell death and destruction to the highest bidder.
When three performers from a prestigious Seattle nightclub are murdered, former assassin Leine Basso is called in by a close friend to help investigate.
The clues lead her to a wealthy tech mogul with a state-of-the-art AI program. Despite compelling evidence implicating the billionaire, Leine senses a deeper conspiracy.
Assisted by a cyber-security expert and a disgraced-cop-turned-PI, Leine must navigate a maze of deception and cyber warfare, uncovering a cunning rival with a deadly agenda who is manipulating events from behind the scenes.
When three performers from a prestigious Seattle nightclub are murdered, former assassin Leine Basso is called in by a close friend to help investigate.
The clues lead her to a wealthy tech mogul with a state-of-the-art AI program. Despite compelling evidence implicating the billionaire, Leine senses a deeper conspiracy.
Assisted by a cyber-security expert and a disgraced-cop-turned-PI, Leine must navigate a maze of deception and cyber warfare, uncovering a cunning rival with a deadly agenda who is manipulating events from behind the scenes.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
17 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
D.V. Berkom
50 books365 followersDV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 28, 2025
When I first read the title, Final Encounter, I thought, oh no, this can’t be the end of Leine Basso…and it is not. I am excited to spend some time with Leine in the US, even though I do enjoy traveling to all parts of the world. Instead of human traffickers, we have artificial intelligence.
Final Encounter by D V Berkom is Leine Basso’s fourteenth novel in the series. Leine is a kickass character that doesn’t hesitate to help out a friend. She has her own set of rules, and I don’t have a problem with that. Sometimes getting the job done blurs the lines.
I am seeing more books coming out that are dealing with artificial intelligence. I already thought we had enough problems with technology, but there is no holding it back. It’s not like you can put the genie back in the bottle. I think artificial intelligence can be a good thing, but, just like anything, there are always those who will use it for bad.
When Leine Basso is involved, bodies fall and suspense rises. At times she tiptoes through the pages, trying not to be seen. Other times, she is up front and personal. Leine likes action, and so do I. But, I like the written kind. I am an armchair spectator, so D V Berkom’s writing speaks to me. She knows how to keep me involved and I feel like I have a lot of other readers keeping me company.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Final Encounter by D V Berkom.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Final Encounter by D V Berkom is Leine Basso’s fourteenth novel in the series. Leine is a kickass character that doesn’t hesitate to help out a friend. She has her own set of rules, and I don’t have a problem with that. Sometimes getting the job done blurs the lines.
I am seeing more books coming out that are dealing with artificial intelligence. I already thought we had enough problems with technology, but there is no holding it back. It’s not like you can put the genie back in the bottle. I think artificial intelligence can be a good thing, but, just like anything, there are always those who will use it for bad.
When Leine Basso is involved, bodies fall and suspense rises. At times she tiptoes through the pages, trying not to be seen. Other times, she is up front and personal. Leine likes action, and so do I. But, I like the written kind. I am an armchair spectator, so D V Berkom’s writing speaks to me. She knows how to keep me involved and I feel like I have a lot of other readers keeping me company.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Final Encounter by D V Berkom.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
September 13, 2024
How can you not like Leine Basso character, she's superhuman, tough as nails, no fear, can handle any situation, lethal with a gun or any weapon, and protector of the weak, that can't defend themselves.
The coolest thing with this series, is that Berkom just grabs your attention from the first paragraph, just transports you into the pages, your right their for all the action, love that she adds new elements to the story, which makes the reading more enjoyable and be them good or bad, she just vividly brings her characters to life.
Final Encounter has Leine back in Los Angeles, retirement wasn't to her liking and felt bad about losing friends while in Italy.
A friend from her assassin days reaches out asking for help, several employees from his Drag bar in Seattle get killed. He's frustrated with how the Seattle Police are handling it, decides to look up and reach out to Leine.
With the storyline with the drag performers and AI intelligences, easily could be ripped right out of the headlines, but as your reading the story just builds, had me so convinced that Sebastian was the bad guy, till Hannah's kinda of offered as a suspect, action packed, just overloaded with twist and turns, starts slow and just gets fast-paced.
Man can she create support characters, Remi and Alice just add so much to Final Encounter, two characters that she could create a series for or just add to Leine's team.
With Leine telling Santa, she's going to Seattle too look for the 14 year girl in the sex tape with Hannah and the Mayor for her next case. Be cool for to her to reach out for Derek's help, bring along Jinn for her street smarts, then ask Remi and Alice if they'd want to help her on the case.
The best part of the entire series, is that you know Leine Basso is badass, she's tough, strong, smart and lethal in any situation. Yet D.V. never dummies her down, puts her in situation that as a reader, you're like no way that isn't believable or plausible or ruin a good read by doing that.
Just absolutely love that she never waivers from Leine being a strong lethal willed women, someone that you don't want to get on the bad side of or have tracking you.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy, for my review and I also purchased a copy. Something I like to do, to support one of my favorite authors.
The coolest thing with this series, is that Berkom just grabs your attention from the first paragraph, just transports you into the pages, your right their for all the action, love that she adds new elements to the story, which makes the reading more enjoyable and be them good or bad, she just vividly brings her characters to life.
Final Encounter has Leine back in Los Angeles, retirement wasn't to her liking and felt bad about losing friends while in Italy.
A friend from her assassin days reaches out asking for help, several employees from his Drag bar in Seattle get killed. He's frustrated with how the Seattle Police are handling it, decides to look up and reach out to Leine.
With the storyline with the drag performers and AI intelligences, easily could be ripped right out of the headlines, but as your reading the story just builds, had me so convinced that Sebastian was the bad guy, till Hannah's kinda of offered as a suspect, action packed, just overloaded with twist and turns, starts slow and just gets fast-paced.
Man can she create support characters, Remi and Alice just add so much to Final Encounter, two characters that she could create a series for or just add to Leine's team.
With Leine telling Santa, she's going to Seattle too look for the 14 year girl in the sex tape with Hannah and the Mayor for her next case. Be cool for to her to reach out for Derek's help, bring along Jinn for her street smarts, then ask Remi and Alice if they'd want to help her on the case.
The best part of the entire series, is that you know Leine Basso is badass, she's tough, strong, smart and lethal in any situation. Yet D.V. never dummies her down, puts her in situation that as a reader, you're like no way that isn't believable or plausible or ruin a good read by doing that.
Just absolutely love that she never waivers from Leine being a strong lethal willed women, someone that you don't want to get on the bad side of or have tracking you.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy, for my review and I also purchased a copy. Something I like to do, to support one of my favorite authors.
September 2, 2024
A benchmark high-tech thriller!
D.V. Berkom never fails to deliver action-packed, tension-filled thrillers brimming with fantastic characters engulfed in dire situations that are based on plausible real-life current events but which are carefully and thoughtfully embellished to provide that ultimate white-knuckled thriller vibe that makes this series so satisfying to read. This story had me hooked after the first few lines and it didn’t let me go until I had finished the last page. Leine keeps pursuing a quieter life but somehow trouble always finds her. When a friend reaches out to her for help in solving a series of murders that the police don’t seem to care about investigating, Leine steps up. Her efforts to uncover not only the perpetrator of these murders but the reason why they were committed becomes increasingly dangerous and deliciously intriguing as we get a glimpse into the world of high-tech corporate espionage. If the AI-driven virtual reality of this story is even a remote possibility, and I suspect it is, we are all in for a world of potential trouble. This is one of those books you just can’t put down once you start reading. If you enjoy fast-paced high-stakes adventure, you have hit the mother lode with this one. Enjoy!
══════════════════
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, and I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
D.V. Berkom never fails to deliver action-packed, tension-filled thrillers brimming with fantastic characters engulfed in dire situations that are based on plausible real-life current events but which are carefully and thoughtfully embellished to provide that ultimate white-knuckled thriller vibe that makes this series so satisfying to read. This story had me hooked after the first few lines and it didn’t let me go until I had finished the last page. Leine keeps pursuing a quieter life but somehow trouble always finds her. When a friend reaches out to her for help in solving a series of murders that the police don’t seem to care about investigating, Leine steps up. Her efforts to uncover not only the perpetrator of these murders but the reason why they were committed becomes increasingly dangerous and deliciously intriguing as we get a glimpse into the world of high-tech corporate espionage. If the AI-driven virtual reality of this story is even a remote possibility, and I suspect it is, we are all in for a world of potential trouble. This is one of those books you just can’t put down once you start reading. If you enjoy fast-paced high-stakes adventure, you have hit the mother lode with this one. Enjoy!
══════════════════
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, for which I thank the author, and I am sharing my honest and unbiased review on a completely voluntary basis.
August 30, 2024
True AI computing is somewhat far off still into the future. Or is it?
When Leine got a request for help after three "actors" got killed, she would not have guessed at all where the few clues would lead her.
Neither would she have guessed that her life would so soon be at stake too, as would her helpers.
Strangely enough, it is the character of Alice who surprised and impressed me the most. However, I had a quiet smile or two on the antics of another character too, viz. an ex cop Remy and who secretly suffers from PTSD.
Leine certainly hit the jackpot in these two characters assisting her in tracing the guilty party in the killings and getting something done about it.
Yes, author D.V. Berkom continues to intrigue and submerse her readers fully in surprising plots and Final Encounter is no exception.
Enjoy
When Leine got a request for help after three "actors" got killed, she would not have guessed at all where the few clues would lead her.
Neither would she have guessed that her life would so soon be at stake too, as would her helpers.
Strangely enough, it is the character of Alice who surprised and impressed me the most. However, I had a quiet smile or two on the antics of another character too, viz. an ex cop Remy and who secretly suffers from PTSD.
Leine certainly hit the jackpot in these two characters assisting her in tracing the guilty party in the killings and getting something done about it.
Yes, author D.V. Berkom continues to intrigue and submerse her readers fully in surprising plots and Final Encounter is no exception.
Enjoy
September 10, 2024
D.V. Berkom sent me a free copy of "Final Encounter" as a member of her ART. We find Leine Basso in a setting that deals with virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence. It's a setting alien to me, so some of the technical aspects were not easy for me to understand. However, Leine jumps into this high tech world at the request of her old friend, Desi, a club owner whose performers have been murdered. Desi's bouncer, Remy, and his young computer whiz girlfriend, Alice, are set to help Leine solve the who and why of the murders. Throw in a suspicious tech millionaire and you have an exciting story. Although different from other Leine Basso books, I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend it to any reader who likes to see strong female characters succeed.
September 9, 2024
Another gripping novel from DV Berkom - this time Leine's staying in the US and tackling something very timely - the AI threat to our security
The plot and story telling is seamless and perfectly paced with fully rounded characters - most new, but a good smattering of my faves too.
Major AI/IT breaches have been big news recently here in the UK with various government and large corporations being affected; this felt very real.
Was it our final encounter with Leine? I really hope not - but if so, I've no doubt there's a new heroine coming from DV Berkom, Well, I hope so :-)
The plot and story telling is seamless and perfectly paced with fully rounded characters - most new, but a good smattering of my faves too.
Major AI/IT breaches have been big news recently here in the UK with various government and large corporations being affected; this felt very real.
Was it our final encounter with Leine? I really hope not - but if so, I've no doubt there's a new heroine coming from DV Berkom, Well, I hope so :-)
September 9, 2024
Leine is called on again and can't say no or doesn't anyway, which is great news for us.
Action packed mean characters and as a few bodies begin to pike up it's a typical aftermath of Leine in action and great reading all the way from start to finish. 3 of her friends, employees are dead hence the call to duty, but this goes in a different direction than the usall with high tech involved. The great thing is its high tech but not confusing for the reader so win win as they say.
I loved this and definitely giving it 5 stars. Shame there's not more available.
Action packed mean characters and as a few bodies begin to pike up it's a typical aftermath of Leine in action and great reading all the way from start to finish. 3 of her friends, employees are dead hence the call to duty, but this goes in a different direction than the usall with high tech involved. The great thing is its high tech but not confusing for the reader so win win as they say.
I loved this and definitely giving it 5 stars. Shame there's not more available.
September 9, 2024
Another great offer g from DV Berkom! Leine Basso is at her best. When an old friend reaches out for her help to figure out why people are dying, she races off to help. What she finds is an awesome plot twist. The killers aren’t who anyone thinks and she must figure it out before the final countdown that will doom the world! Great action, new friends and people trying to stop her, can she pull this off? I couldn’t put it down!
September 16, 2024
I couldn't help thinking, three quarters of the way into my reading year, that something was missing. Then I realised, it must be Leine Basso thriller time! And Berkom delivers right on cue.
Having read thirteen of Basso's yearly adventures, I keep dreading my favourite ex-assassin might want to retire, but thankfully, whatever she's sprinkling on her cornflakes in the mornings is keeping her in tiptop form (whatever it is, I need some!).
Chasing after criminals is what she does (very efficiently), but this time, she not only has a greedy one to find, she's got to battle a very here-and-now twenty-first century phenomenon: AI. Fine in the right hands, deadly in the wrong ones. And of course, here, it's the latter. Basso not only has to find the perpetrator, but she's got to do it at lightning speed before potentially disastrous consequences.
As always, Berkom gives you a superbly thrilling, hold-your-breath ride from start to finish. Trouble is, it just leaves you wanting more!
Until next year, Leine, (I hope...).
Having read thirteen of Basso's yearly adventures, I keep dreading my favourite ex-assassin might want to retire, but thankfully, whatever she's sprinkling on her cornflakes in the mornings is keeping her in tiptop form (whatever it is, I need some!).
Chasing after criminals is what she does (very efficiently), but this time, she not only has a greedy one to find, she's got to battle a very here-and-now twenty-first century phenomenon: AI. Fine in the right hands, deadly in the wrong ones. And of course, here, it's the latter. Basso not only has to find the perpetrator, but she's got to do it at lightning speed before potentially disastrous consequences.
As always, Berkom gives you a superbly thrilling, hold-your-breath ride from start to finish. Trouble is, it just leaves you wanting more!
Until next year, Leine, (I hope...).
September 9, 2024
Another excellent book, a story line to get really excited about. I would recommend this book for people who like this genre.
September 10, 2024
Leine goes to Washington to help a friend find who has found three people murdered belonging to their circle of friends and she'll find herself entangled in a case involving Artificial Intelligence, espionage, police corruption, corporate misuse and selling information. The story has a great plot, is full of action, and gives food for thought as to what we humans want from AI and how we should use it. Highly recommended!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
September 9, 2024
Final Encounter: Leine is back and once again, she’s up against some seriously bad people. Love the AI angle in this book and DV delivers yet another fantastic action packed, pulse pounding and thrilling story around Leine. The depth of the characters are great and be prepared to read in one sitting!
September 13, 2024
Final Encounter: A Leine Basso Thriller, my twelfth read from author D.V. Berkom with a kick-ass female main character! A 328-page Assassination thriller. She's created a character you want to read more about! I have to read more by this author, especially since I just went out & discovered that I own 18 more books by her! “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 16, 2024
A new Leine story! I always enjoy the Leine Basso stories, and this one was not a disappointment!
A thriller with an AI twist, Leine was asked by an old to help solve the orders of three of his employees.
I liked the new characters introduced in this installment, and enjoyed following along as they searched the evidence, and investigated these deaths, all while trying to avoid death themselves.
The AI use (and all the information) in this story, and how far it can go, really makes you think. It was interesting to read about.
Another great Leine story! I hope there's more to come!
A thriller with an AI twist, Leine was asked by an old to help solve the orders of three of his employees.
I liked the new characters introduced in this installment, and enjoyed following along as they searched the evidence, and investigated these deaths, all while trying to avoid death themselves.
The AI use (and all the information) in this story, and how far it can go, really makes you think. It was interesting to read about.
Another great Leine story! I hope there's more to come!
September 9, 2024
Very intense in depth cyber security thriller. Pure genius. DV Berkom’s best offering yet.
September 9, 2024
Remy gets call in by an old friend to instigate some murders.
All is not what it seems with the club using AI & VR to generate an immersive show. She discovers a deeper plot and goes all out to take down the culprit before the nasty really happens.
I received an arc of this book
All is not what it seems with the club using AI & VR to generate an immersive show. She discovers a deeper plot and goes all out to take down the culprit before the nasty really happens.
I received an arc of this book
September 17, 2024
Final Encounter: A Laine Basso Thriller brings to light the extreme issues that can be encountered with AI (Artificial Intelligence). Laine is asked by a friend to help investigate a couple of murders that at first appear to be hate crimes. However, someone doesn’t want the real reason behind the deaths be discovered. Working with her friend’s PI, Laine’s inquiries into the truth. They experience multiple death attempts, kidnapping and additional murders All seem to be connected to a flash drive found at one of the murder scenes. This is a fast paced nail biting adventure.
DV Berkom explores the multiple concerns associated with AI. Another fantastic book and exciting read in the Laine Basso Thriller series!
DV Berkom explores the multiple concerns associated with AI. Another fantastic book and exciting read in the Laine Basso Thriller series!
August 28, 2024
What do you get it you combine AI (Artificial Intelligence) and guns? The latest Leine Basso thriller and what a thriller it is. I am not really into tec and definitely don't have the latest gadgets but this story was so well written even I could understand what was going. Yep turning Siri off now, just kidding .....sort of. The world we live is changing and this kind of book shows us just how quickly things can take off. Maybe not so great for the world but really good for a book. Once again Leine Basso is a great character and she will have you routing for her team to win and not just because they are the good guys. And of course as it's an Leine Basso book there is plenty of action with bullets flying, bodies falling and bad guys getting what they deserve. The story starts as a mystery, with Leine being hired to look into three performers deaths and quickly develops into so much more. The type of story that once you start you don't want to put down until you have finished, just in case you miss something. The story mostly follows Leine but it also has a few chapters where it follows other members of the team, this really works for the story as it builds up your understanding of what is going on. I can't wait for the next book.
Leine has left her old life behind her but a phone call from an old friend has her returning to Seattle. Three of his dancers have been murder, the police are putting it down to robberies and writing it off. Her friend thinks it could be hate crimes and is afraid a serial killer might be targeting his performers.
His bouncer thinks crooked cops are behind it but it doesn't take long before Leine figures out something more deadly is going on, something that someone is willing to kill people over, including her. Can she work with an ex disgraced cop come bouncer and a cat burglar come AI programmer to figure it out? Because it's a lot bigger than keeping a night club safe
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Leine has left her old life behind her but a phone call from an old friend has her returning to Seattle. Three of his dancers have been murder, the police are putting it down to robberies and writing it off. Her friend thinks it could be hate crimes and is afraid a serial killer might be targeting his performers.
His bouncer thinks crooked cops are behind it but it doesn't take long before Leine figures out something more deadly is going on, something that someone is willing to kill people over, including her. Can she work with an ex disgraced cop come bouncer and a cat burglar come AI programmer to figure it out? Because it's a lot bigger than keeping a night club safe
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 6, 2024
If you're looking for a book that has great characters, a strong female lead, excellent story, action and suspense, then look no further than Final Encounter and the rest of the Leine Basso series ... you can't go wrong! Don't worry, this can be read as a standalone however, I would highly recommend delving into others in order to understand Leine a bit more as she is a complex character but it's not essential.
You would have thought that this series would be getting a little stale but this is definitely not the case ... D.V. Berkom has a knack of coming up with up-to-date and believable scenarios for Leine to become involved in and with the pace, excellent descriptions and fantastic characters you can't go wrong with getting your grubby little eyes on this and the rest of the series.
Once again, thank you to D.V for accepting me as a member her ARTeam and for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Final Encounter and my hungry eyes can't wait to read the next!
You would have thought that this series would be getting a little stale but this is definitely not the case ... D.V. Berkom has a knack of coming up with up-to-date and believable scenarios for Leine to become involved in and with the pace, excellent descriptions and fantastic characters you can't go wrong with getting your grubby little eyes on this and the rest of the series.
Once again, thank you to D.V for accepting me as a member her ARTeam and for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Final Encounter and my hungry eyes can't wait to read the next!
December 18, 2025
Without a word of a lie, this book saved my life.
Having just moved house in Portugal, things are still up in the air with renovations. This book was so wonderful and all encompassing, it transported me to another level.
I have enjoyed ALL of D.V’s books but this one was so good.
There aren’t many books I’ll stay up till past midnight reading, but this was one of them.
The excitement was mind blowing and the attention to detail, second to none.
I don’t do spoilers, but I have to mention that someone in the story called Leine “ James Bond” and her comment was “ that’s fiction “.
Did make me chuckle.
In conclusion, this is one of the best books I’ve read in quite a while and I have no hesitation of totally and wholeheartedly recommending this for your reading pleasure.
Having just moved house in Portugal, things are still up in the air with renovations. This book was so wonderful and all encompassing, it transported me to another level.
I have enjoyed ALL of D.V’s books but this one was so good.
There aren’t many books I’ll stay up till past midnight reading, but this was one of them.
The excitement was mind blowing and the attention to detail, second to none.
I don’t do spoilers, but I have to mention that someone in the story called Leine “ James Bond” and her comment was “ that’s fiction “.
Did make me chuckle.
In conclusion, this is one of the best books I’ve read in quite a while and I have no hesitation of totally and wholeheartedly recommending this for your reading pleasure.
November 24, 2024
Great read !
I waited for another book about Leine and Santa to come out ! This one has new people, but it was really good ! Now I’m waiting for the next book… This was so realistic with the AI- it wouldn’t surprise me if it already happened in today’s world … Scary !!
I waited for another book about Leine and Santa to come out ! This one has new people, but it was really good ! Now I’m waiting for the next book… This was so realistic with the AI- it wouldn’t surprise me if it already happened in today’s world … Scary !!
November 10, 2024
Leinie Basso:
Final Encounter was a great story. It started off in one direction, and it builds into so much more. Thanks D.V Berkom
Final Encounter was a great story. It started off in one direction, and it builds into so much more. Thanks D.V Berkom
May 14, 2025
Review: Final Encounter: A Leine Basso Thriller by D.V. Berkom
D.V. Berkom does it again with Final Encounter, delivering a pulse-pounding, high-stakes thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. This latest installment in the Leine Basso series amps up the tension with a timely and terrifying premise cyberterrorism for sale to the highest bidder.
Leine Basso remains one of the most compelling heroines in the genre. A former assassin with a conscience and razor-sharp instincts, she steps back into the shadows when a friend calls for help after the murder of three performers at a high-end Seattle nightclub. What begins as a seemingly contained investigation quickly spirals into something far more sinister, plunging Leine into the murky waters of big tech, AI innovation, and a global conspiracy.
The supporting cast adds richness to the story: a disgraced cop turned PI brings grit and moral complexity, while a cybersecurity expert offers the smarts needed to unravel the tech-driven web of lies and threats. The dynamic between the trio keeps the story grounded, even as the stakes escalate toward global catastrophe.
Berkom seamlessly blends old-school action, guns, hand-to-hand combat, tactical planning with cutting-edge themes like AI ethics, digital warfare, and corporate corruption. The pace is relentless, the twists are genuinely surprising, and the villain? Chilling in how eerily plausible their motivations feel.
What I appreciated most was how the novel balances its adrenaline rush with a deeper emotional core. Leine’s personal integrity and refusal to be manipulated are central, reminding readers why she continues to be such a standout figure in the thriller landscape.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Leine Basso series or diving in for the first time, Final Encounter offers everything you could want in a modern thriller grit, brains, heart, and a plot that feels like it could break into tomorrow’s headlines.
Rating: 5/5
Smart, suspenseful, and scarily relevant, Final Encounter is D.V. Berkom at the top of her game. Buckle up.
D.V. Berkom does it again with Final Encounter, delivering a pulse-pounding, high-stakes thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. This latest installment in the Leine Basso series amps up the tension with a timely and terrifying premise cyberterrorism for sale to the highest bidder.
Leine Basso remains one of the most compelling heroines in the genre. A former assassin with a conscience and razor-sharp instincts, she steps back into the shadows when a friend calls for help after the murder of three performers at a high-end Seattle nightclub. What begins as a seemingly contained investigation quickly spirals into something far more sinister, plunging Leine into the murky waters of big tech, AI innovation, and a global conspiracy.
The supporting cast adds richness to the story: a disgraced cop turned PI brings grit and moral complexity, while a cybersecurity expert offers the smarts needed to unravel the tech-driven web of lies and threats. The dynamic between the trio keeps the story grounded, even as the stakes escalate toward global catastrophe.
Berkom seamlessly blends old-school action, guns, hand-to-hand combat, tactical planning with cutting-edge themes like AI ethics, digital warfare, and corporate corruption. The pace is relentless, the twists are genuinely surprising, and the villain? Chilling in how eerily plausible their motivations feel.
What I appreciated most was how the novel balances its adrenaline rush with a deeper emotional core. Leine’s personal integrity and refusal to be manipulated are central, reminding readers why she continues to be such a standout figure in the thriller landscape.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Leine Basso series or diving in for the first time, Final Encounter offers everything you could want in a modern thriller grit, brains, heart, and a plot that feels like it could break into tomorrow’s headlines.
Rating: 5/5
Smart, suspenseful, and scarily relevant, Final Encounter is D.V. Berkom at the top of her game. Buckle up.
August 23, 2024
Once I find a writer with a character that I enjoy, then I want more. I did as a kid (Tom Swift, Tom Swift Jr., the Hardy Boys) and now, many years later, there are lots more to choose from. Thriller writers have multiplied - likely due to self-publishing - and while not all of them are worth it, some stand out.
DV Berkom and her Leine Basso series is one of those that stands out. Final Encounter is the 14th book in the series, so as you can imagine, there's a lot of backstory. Some authors have been known to pad their latest with lots of the backstory until it gets tiresome. Fortunately, Berkom does NOT go there. It's a primary reason I keep reading her work. Partically because it fits with my person world view - stuff happened in the past, but what's critical is life NOW. So yes, we find out early on that Leine's left Italy where she had set up and hoped to live a quiet life, out of the assasin. game. We find out that she's now in LA with her boyfriend Santiago (Santa) and she's working with her old handler Lou to track down human traffickers. There are volumes in all that - but they aren't critical to the action.
Berkom does a fine job of dealing with AI as a potential threat. Not as is "the computer comes alive and threatens to rule the world" kind of cheesy SF trope, but instead how it could be used to take over some functions and then rise to its own defense. Well written scenes of her charaacters trying to take it on - they ring true to my experiences fighting malware. This won't be our Final Encounter with Berkom's badass fighting lady (and that title had me concerned it might be); she's growing older and recognizes that while she loves the action, she's got to deal with getting older in what is really a younger person's game. That should prove fodder for lots more Leine Basso.
DV Berkom and her Leine Basso series is one of those that stands out. Final Encounter is the 14th book in the series, so as you can imagine, there's a lot of backstory. Some authors have been known to pad their latest with lots of the backstory until it gets tiresome. Fortunately, Berkom does NOT go there. It's a primary reason I keep reading her work. Partically because it fits with my person world view - stuff happened in the past, but what's critical is life NOW. So yes, we find out early on that Leine's left Italy where she had set up and hoped to live a quiet life, out of the assasin. game. We find out that she's now in LA with her boyfriend Santiago (Santa) and she's working with her old handler Lou to track down human traffickers. There are volumes in all that - but they aren't critical to the action.
Berkom does a fine job of dealing with AI as a potential threat. Not as is "the computer comes alive and threatens to rule the world" kind of cheesy SF trope, but instead how it could be used to take over some functions and then rise to its own defense. Well written scenes of her charaacters trying to take it on - they ring true to my experiences fighting malware. This won't be our Final Encounter with Berkom's badass fighting lady (and that title had me concerned it might be); she's growing older and recognizes that while she loves the action, she's got to deal with getting older in what is really a younger person's game. That should prove fodder for lots more Leine Basso.
September 10, 2024
As her bio makes clear, DV Berkom writes books with strong female protagonists. I’ve read a bunch of them, some historical westerns, some modern day and most, if not all fitting the thriller genre and having just what her bio claims, a “kick-ass female” as the protagonist. This book, the fourteenth in this series featuring Leine Basso, continues the streak.
Over the years and through the prior books in the series Leine has evolved, with her situation, goals, and the kind of cases (for lack of a better word) that she becomes involved in. There are definitely situations where what she does is breaking the law, and yet as a reader I may realize this, but I don’t view it as a problem because I can see that she is pushing the limits for the greater good. This particular story has the qualities I’ve come to expect with Leine and those assisting her digging deep to figure out what’s going on. Of course the world is always changing and with that change come new challenges. Some of the recent technological changes the world has been experiencing figure in to the story here, keeping the story and Leine’s skills on the cutting edge. This was a story that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next, until the very last page. A heck of a read. Or maybe, like Leine, I should call it a kick-ass read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Over the years and through the prior books in the series Leine has evolved, with her situation, goals, and the kind of cases (for lack of a better word) that she becomes involved in. There are definitely situations where what she does is breaking the law, and yet as a reader I may realize this, but I don’t view it as a problem because I can see that she is pushing the limits for the greater good. This particular story has the qualities I’ve come to expect with Leine and those assisting her digging deep to figure out what’s going on. Of course the world is always changing and with that change come new challenges. Some of the recent technological changes the world has been experiencing figure in to the story here, keeping the story and Leine’s skills on the cutting edge. This was a story that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next, until the very last page. A heck of a read. Or maybe, like Leine, I should call it a kick-ass read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 2, 2024
D.V. Berkom writes current events into this hard-hitting, cerebral, twisty, tension-filled thriller--Final Encounter! On each consecutive new offering, DV Berkom carries on to top all her previous Leine Basso hits!
Do I enjoy her stories? YES! And this one is one of her best This one has a questionable mega-entity with operatives worldwide. Based in Seattle this time, Leine gathers her associates (Lou, Art, Zarbo plus some locals--Remy, Alice, Desi) to assist her solve this double murder. And what starts out as a seemingly simple dual crime morphs into a tale which draws on all of Leine's strengths, experiences and history! Leine is a highly effective and trained professional assassin, and she calls upon all her talents to resolve this international intrigue. Leine travels to the Pacific Northwest to help some friends after two--Brett and Ethan are murdered (of 'Luck Be a Lady Review female impersonation AI show). The action starts...and goes and goes and goes! And offers AI IS HERE, NOW, TO STAY!
If you enjoy a well-thought-out story with enticing dialogue AND Leine Basso back in ACTION, grab DV Berkom's latest hit, FINAL ENCOUNTER!
I highly recommend this outstanding international thriller.
Do I enjoy her stories? YES! And this one is one of her best This one has a questionable mega-entity with operatives worldwide. Based in Seattle this time, Leine gathers her associates (Lou, Art, Zarbo plus some locals--Remy, Alice, Desi) to assist her solve this double murder. And what starts out as a seemingly simple dual crime morphs into a tale which draws on all of Leine's strengths, experiences and history! Leine is a highly effective and trained professional assassin, and she calls upon all her talents to resolve this international intrigue. Leine travels to the Pacific Northwest to help some friends after two--Brett and Ethan are murdered (of 'Luck Be a Lady Review female impersonation AI show). The action starts...and goes and goes and goes! And offers AI IS HERE, NOW, TO STAY!
If you enjoy a well-thought-out story with enticing dialogue AND Leine Basso back in ACTION, grab DV Berkom's latest hit, FINAL ENCOUNTER!
I highly recommend this outstanding international thriller.
November 8, 2025
I recall a quote that perfectly deconstructs Star Trek's use of technobabble: The goal is never to explain the science, but to provide a verbal token that represents "the crew is smart and is doing something technical to fix the problem." It creates a sense of urgency, expertise, and resolution without getting bogged down in real physics that would make most of their solutions impossible.'
This concept is painfully relevant to Final Encounter. DV Berkom has traded phasers and warp cores for firewalls, the all mighty AI, bugs, and servers, but the principle is the same. The novel opens with a series of underdeveloped murders, promising a thriller that never materializes. Instead of plot progression, we are given a relentless stream of IT-focused activity—characters connecting to networks, copying data, and accessing systems. This is the book's "technobabble": the modern deflector dish used to mask a vacant plot.
By the 70% mark, nothing of consequence has happened because the "action" is all procedural noise, not narrative substance. The characters are running in circles, and as a reader, I felt like I was running in place with them. It's a significant letdown for the series, and this will be my last Leine Basso novel.
This concept is painfully relevant to Final Encounter. DV Berkom has traded phasers and warp cores for firewalls, the all mighty AI, bugs, and servers, but the principle is the same. The novel opens with a series of underdeveloped murders, promising a thriller that never materializes. Instead of plot progression, we are given a relentless stream of IT-focused activity—characters connecting to networks, copying data, and accessing systems. This is the book's "technobabble": the modern deflector dish used to mask a vacant plot.
By the 70% mark, nothing of consequence has happened because the "action" is all procedural noise, not narrative substance. The characters are running in circles, and as a reader, I felt like I was running in place with them. It's a significant letdown for the series, and this will be my last Leine Basso novel.
September 2, 2024
This series just keeps getting better and better. After the last Leine Basso adventure, I never thought she could possibly end up in an even more thrilling, literally life-threatening situation. When she gets a call from an old friend, she was simply going to help with a simple problem for a day or two. Fans of Leine know, nothing she gets into is ever simple. As the number of innocent victims start to mount, as friendships begin to strain, and as the murders begin to pile up, Leine is thrust deeper and deeper into a morass of unbelievable modern day technology used for evil intent, terrible drugs, and finally, not to be a spoiler, just a fact, redemption for one of the characters Leine meets and is able to help resolve his issues. Another exciting Leine Basso non-stop thriller - when the action starts, it never stops. Just like the other stories in this series, I heartedly recommend this exciting novel and looking forward to the next in the series from this fantastic author.
September 5, 2024
Leine is back in LA from Italy hoping to leave her old life behind. She gets a call from an old friend in Seattle who asks for her help investigating the deaths of several of his performers. Is there a serial killer? Is it a hate crime against the drag queens? Is it related to the new AI technology being used at the club?
Leine teams up with Remy, a former cop and Alice, an AI tech, hacker, cat burglar. Their investigation leads to attempts on all their lives and cyber security attacks.
National security is at risk and they have a limited time to try to halt the cyber crime. Leine relies on help from her former colleagues in her assassin line of work. She is awesome but getting older.
Great character development. Fantastic story line. Full of action and intrigue.
I received and ARC of this book and am voluntarily giving my opinion of this book. Looking forward to the next one in this series. Hopefully this one won’t be the final encounter!
Leine teams up with Remy, a former cop and Alice, an AI tech, hacker, cat burglar. Their investigation leads to attempts on all their lives and cyber security attacks.
National security is at risk and they have a limited time to try to halt the cyber crime. Leine relies on help from her former colleagues in her assassin line of work. She is awesome but getting older.
Great character development. Fantastic story line. Full of action and intrigue.
I received and ARC of this book and am voluntarily giving my opinion of this book. Looking forward to the next one in this series. Hopefully this one won’t be the final encounter!
September 10, 2024
Leine is called by an old friend who is asking her to help him. She doesn’t really want to since she is trying to slow down. But he manages to convince her to at least come and check the situation out. When she gets there, she learns that three female impersonators have been killed. The police are saying it was robbery they don’t want to acknowledge that it could be someone killing female impersonators. Remy is part of the club's security and his girlfriend Alice who is a AI hacker and cat burglar work with Leine to find out who and why the people were killed. This story could take place today and it has exciting twists and turns If you like good, exciting thrillers this one is for you. This is in a series but is stand alone. It will make you want to read the others if you haven’t.
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