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Nathan Burke Thrillers #1
The Havana Syndrome
When devotion and duty collide, FBI Agent Nathan Burke must uncover a global conspiracy to save his wife…and the nation.
“…pulse-pounding…a must-read…” —Library Journal
FBI Agent Nathan Burke is in the middle of a high-stakes operation to dismantle a terrorist network when his world is turned upside down—his estranged wife, Reagan, falls victim to the mysterious and debilitating Havana Syndrome. Determined to reconcile with her and find the responsible party, he teams up with his former academy classmate Meili Chan and CIA liaison Bashir Gemayel to launch a rogue investigation, putting his own job at risk.
As more American spies and diplomats fall prey to this unexplained phenomenon, and terrorist attacks increase at home and abroad, Nathan unearths evidence of high-energy weapons and a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of national security.
But when the CIA dismisses his findings, and the balance between his official and illicit missions teeters on the edge of collapse, Nathan must choose between his duty to his country and his devotion to Reagan. With his allies falling one by one to mysterious attacks and with friend and foe seemingly indistinguishable, Nathan must stop the spread of the Havana Syndrome and uncover the truth…or risk becoming its next victim.
Bestselling author Jeffrey James Higgins takes readers from the buzzing streets of Washington, D.C., to the eerie silence of Tallinn, Estonia, where suspense meets the stark realities of espionage, assassination, and deception. Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Michael Connelly.
___________________
Praise for Jeffrey James
“Jeffrey Higgins is a rising star author in our universe of thrillers…he turns the mysteries and dangers of our times into clock-ticking engrossing reading.” —James Grady, creator of Condor and author of the American Sky trilogy
“…as authentic as it gets! Jeffrey James Higgins pours his years of law enforcement experience into crafting characters that leap off the page.” —Jack Stewart, retired Navy fighter pilot and bestselling author of the Battle Born series
“Pulse pounding and relevant, Higgins delivers a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss.” —Dale M. Nelson, retired U.S. Air Force Officer and author of The Gage Files
“…a propulsive, white-knuckle ride into the shadowy world of espionage and global conspiracy…This one is not to be missed.” —David McCloskey, former CIA analyst and author of The Seventh Floor
“…pulse-pounding…a must-read…” —Library Journal
FBI Agent Nathan Burke is in the middle of a high-stakes operation to dismantle a terrorist network when his world is turned upside down—his estranged wife, Reagan, falls victim to the mysterious and debilitating Havana Syndrome. Determined to reconcile with her and find the responsible party, he teams up with his former academy classmate Meili Chan and CIA liaison Bashir Gemayel to launch a rogue investigation, putting his own job at risk.
As more American spies and diplomats fall prey to this unexplained phenomenon, and terrorist attacks increase at home and abroad, Nathan unearths evidence of high-energy weapons and a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of national security.
But when the CIA dismisses his findings, and the balance between his official and illicit missions teeters on the edge of collapse, Nathan must choose between his duty to his country and his devotion to Reagan. With his allies falling one by one to mysterious attacks and with friend and foe seemingly indistinguishable, Nathan must stop the spread of the Havana Syndrome and uncover the truth…or risk becoming its next victim.
Bestselling author Jeffrey James Higgins takes readers from the buzzing streets of Washington, D.C., to the eerie silence of Tallinn, Estonia, where suspense meets the stark realities of espionage, assassination, and deception. Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Michael Connelly.
___________________
Praise for Jeffrey James
“Jeffrey Higgins is a rising star author in our universe of thrillers…he turns the mysteries and dangers of our times into clock-ticking engrossing reading.” —James Grady, creator of Condor and author of the American Sky trilogy
“…as authentic as it gets! Jeffrey James Higgins pours his years of law enforcement experience into crafting characters that leap off the page.” —Jack Stewart, retired Navy fighter pilot and bestselling author of the Battle Born series
“Pulse pounding and relevant, Higgins delivers a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss.” —Dale M. Nelson, retired U.S. Air Force Officer and author of The Gage Files
“…a propulsive, white-knuckle ride into the shadowy world of espionage and global conspiracy…This one is not to be missed.” —David McCloskey, former CIA analyst and author of The Seventh Floor
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
71 people are currently reading
1153 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey James Higgins
14 books101 followersJeffrey James Higgins is a retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays. He has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor.
Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. He’s a #1 Amazon bestselling author with 18 literary awards, including the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of 2022, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal.
He has been a panelist at ThrillerFest, Killer Nashville, Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity, and other conferences.
Black Rose Writing published his first two novels, FURIOUS and UNSEEN, and THE FOREVER GAME launches on February 29, 2024.
Jeffrey is an active member of the Authors Guild, The Virginia Writers Club, International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Royal Writers Secret Society. Discover his writing at https://JeffreyJamesHiggins.com.
Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. He’s a #1 Amazon bestselling author with 18 literary awards, including the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of 2022, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal.
He has been a panelist at ThrillerFest, Killer Nashville, Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity, and other conferences.
Black Rose Writing published his first two novels, FURIOUS and UNSEEN, and THE FOREVER GAME launches on February 29, 2024.
Jeffrey is an active member of the Authors Guild, The Virginia Writers Club, International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Royal Writers Secret Society. Discover his writing at https://JeffreyJamesHiggins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 9, 2025
This hyper-speed thriller had me sitting on the edge of my chair as FBI Agent Nathan Burke tries to save the world and his estranged wife from the devastating Havana Syndrome. He races from D.C. to Estonia in a rogue investigation to stop the syndrome's spread, and to halt increasing terrorist attacks across the globe. A gripping winner!
June 3, 2025
The Havana Syndrome, to be published June 17, 2025, presents a breathtaking alternative hypothesis to the government studies that have found no connection between a foreign power and the hundreds of State and CIA employees who have suffered. FBI agent Nathan Burke follows his instincts to show the USG is wrong. There are few who could write the compelling narrative Jeff Higgins has penned. A retired supervisory special agent, he presents the story with such verisimilitude that you will question the numerous government studies that have found no conspiracy.
June 17, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. The story involves the FBI, CIA and others. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. It also has enough action for most readers. The characters are great and well developed. The ending was great and leaves the reader looking for the next book. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 21, 2025
This grabbed me from page one. Tight with the edge of your seat pace that holds you in the story until the final episode .
The writer’s real-world experience as an FBI Special Agent informs his story and adds the details that place the reader into the scene.
Most fun read I’ve had this year.
The writer’s real-world experience as an FBI Special Agent informs his story and adds the details that place the reader into the scene.
Most fun read I’ve had this year.
August 31, 2025
I picked up this book because the synopsis promises an FBI agent who goes after the bad guys to protect his country and defend his wife, a victim of a mysterious terrorist attack. His motivation is loyalty and a desire to reconcile with his wife. How many thrillers do you read that celebrate marriage, especially rescuing a marriage threatened by infidelity and neglect? I thought I was in for an exciting ride, the twin plot lines of intelligence missions and marital redemption. Unfortunately, the author peddles the weak line that both parties need to be happy with other people, and that’s what’s the most important. Sappy and unhelpful and a total cop out.
Furthermore, this book needed a better editor and proofreader. I caught multiple missing pieces of punctuation and wrong word choices - “fauna” when he meant “flora,” swapping character’s first names, etc. I can’t speak to his FBI and CIA details, which were abundant, but these basic grammatical and plot errors could have been caught by a halfway-decent editor. I would have guessed this was self-published except I looked up the publishing house, and it’s small but legit. I want to like this author and the publisher because I like their ethos, but I’m not impressed with their content.
Two stars because the story itself was gripping and the characters were well-rounded and human (eg, a good mix of noble and flawed, which I like in my protagonists).
Furthermore, this book needed a better editor and proofreader. I caught multiple missing pieces of punctuation and wrong word choices - “fauna” when he meant “flora,” swapping character’s first names, etc. I can’t speak to his FBI and CIA details, which were abundant, but these basic grammatical and plot errors could have been caught by a halfway-decent editor. I would have guessed this was self-published except I looked up the publishing house, and it’s small but legit. I want to like this author and the publisher because I like their ethos, but I’m not impressed with their content.
Two stars because the story itself was gripping and the characters were well-rounded and human (eg, a good mix of noble and flawed, which I like in my protagonists).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2025
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Nathan at a meet with his 2 CI's. The are working to stop a terrorist event. Nathan is to take his daughter to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to visit with his wife Reagan, his wife, who assigned to the U.S. Embassy there. The next day when he arrives that his wife has been targeted with what result in "The Havana Syndrome". The effects impact the brain and nervous system. Nathan stays and flies back with his wife and daughter when she is transported back to D.C.
With the attack on his wife, he now is current case in addition to trying to discover who was responsible for the attack on his wife and others. He gains assistance from a former FBI recruit who he went through Quantico with. He was not assigned to the investigation that Meili was in charge of, but she let him work with her. His current supervisor was not in favor with Nathan working the Syndrome case but provided some latitude. She wanted to make sure his attention was still on the Terrorism assignment.
Read along and learn how Nathan was able to handle both of the cases, what he performed in each activity and what was discovered about the "Havana Syndrome" participants.
The story is well detailed and you will be hesitant to put the book down.
This is a definite read, you won't be sorry!
The story begins with Nathan at a meet with his 2 CI's. The are working to stop a terrorist event. Nathan is to take his daughter to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to visit with his wife Reagan, his wife, who assigned to the U.S. Embassy there. The next day when he arrives that his wife has been targeted with what result in "The Havana Syndrome". The effects impact the brain and nervous system. Nathan stays and flies back with his wife and daughter when she is transported back to D.C.
With the attack on his wife, he now is current case in addition to trying to discover who was responsible for the attack on his wife and others. He gains assistance from a former FBI recruit who he went through Quantico with. He was not assigned to the investigation that Meili was in charge of, but she let him work with her. His current supervisor was not in favor with Nathan working the Syndrome case but provided some latitude. She wanted to make sure his attention was still on the Terrorism assignment.
Read along and learn how Nathan was able to handle both of the cases, what he performed in each activity and what was discovered about the "Havana Syndrome" participants.
The story is well detailed and you will be hesitant to put the book down.
This is a definite read, you won't be sorry!
June 13, 2025
Excellent start to the Nathan Burke series.
The Havana Syndrome, the first Nathan Burke Thriller, was my introduction to not only a new series, but to Jeffery James Higgins’ writing. And what an introduction it was, When I opened the book, my plan was to take my time and read it across at least five days. Yea, that plan lasted all the way through the first chapter and then the story took hold, and I had a tough time putting it down to take care of some tasks.
The characters in this book are not only well developed, every one of their human frailties is on full display allowing the reader to identify with each one. Nathan and Milie are certainly likeable and believable. Neither one has any special powers, they’re just driven to find the answers to their investigations. The action and intrigue are nonstop throughout the entire story, all while being very believable. Some of the scenes feel like they were plucked from current news stories.
If you enjoy law enforcement/FBI thrillers that include political themes you owe it to yourself to grab a copy of the Havana syndrome and get ready for a wild ride as Nathan and Milie pursue an interesting case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of the Havana syndrome from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
The Havana Syndrome, the first Nathan Burke Thriller, was my introduction to not only a new series, but to Jeffery James Higgins’ writing. And what an introduction it was, When I opened the book, my plan was to take my time and read it across at least five days. Yea, that plan lasted all the way through the first chapter and then the story took hold, and I had a tough time putting it down to take care of some tasks.
The characters in this book are not only well developed, every one of their human frailties is on full display allowing the reader to identify with each one. Nathan and Milie are certainly likeable and believable. Neither one has any special powers, they’re just driven to find the answers to their investigations. The action and intrigue are nonstop throughout the entire story, all while being very believable. Some of the scenes feel like they were plucked from current news stories.
If you enjoy law enforcement/FBI thrillers that include political themes you owe it to yourself to grab a copy of the Havana syndrome and get ready for a wild ride as Nathan and Milie pursue an interesting case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of the Havana syndrome from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
July 1, 2025
Award-winning author Jeffrey James Higgins’ delivers a heart-racing thriller with his latest novel, The Havana Syndrome. Drawing on his impressive international law enforcement experience, Higgins provides a contemporary and plausible take on the real-world mystery of sonic weaponry. Through a carefully constructed plot and a variety of compelling characters, The Havana Syndrome illuminates the implications such dangerous technology presents to the balance of global power.
One of the standout aspects of The Havana Syndrome is Higgins introduction and development of his protagonist, FBI Special Agent Nathan Burke. While most readers recognize and appreciate the selfless drive inherent in public service, Burke’s archetypical heroism is imperfect enough to make every urgent decision a matter of consequence. A flawed, passionate protector, Burke is convincingly driven to protect his family, his colleagues, and his country, regardless of the cost to his own future.
The Havana Syndrome’s climax and denouement satisfy and entertain. I’m looking forward to Burke’s next challenge!
One of the standout aspects of The Havana Syndrome is Higgins introduction and development of his protagonist, FBI Special Agent Nathan Burke. While most readers recognize and appreciate the selfless drive inherent in public service, Burke’s archetypical heroism is imperfect enough to make every urgent decision a matter of consequence. A flawed, passionate protector, Burke is convincingly driven to protect his family, his colleagues, and his country, regardless of the cost to his own future.
The Havana Syndrome’s climax and denouement satisfy and entertain. I’m looking forward to Burke’s next challenge!
September 28, 2025
The Havana Syndrome is a pulse-pounding blend of espionage, personal sacrifice, and relentless action. Jeffrey James Higgins delivers a fast-paced story centered on FBI Agent Nathan Burke, whose life is thrown into chaos when his estranged wife becomes a victim of the mysterious Havana Syndrome. What follows is a dangerous rogue investigation that uncovers secrets threatening national security.
I was completely drawn in by the intensity of the plot and the emotional depth of the characters. Nathan’s internal struggle between duty and devotion adds real heart to the story, while the international conspiracy kept me on edge. The mix of real-world intrigue and high-tech danger makes this thriller feel both authentic and cinematic.
If you enjoy smart, tightly woven thrillers with strong characters and a race-against-time narrative, this book is an absolute must-read. Jeffrey James Higgins has created a compelling series opener that leaves you eager for more Nathan Burke adventures.
I was completely drawn in by the intensity of the plot and the emotional depth of the characters. Nathan’s internal struggle between duty and devotion adds real heart to the story, while the international conspiracy kept me on edge. The mix of real-world intrigue and high-tech danger makes this thriller feel both authentic and cinematic.
If you enjoy smart, tightly woven thrillers with strong characters and a race-against-time narrative, this book is an absolute must-read. Jeffrey James Higgins has created a compelling series opener that leaves you eager for more Nathan Burke adventures.
September 17, 2025
Explosive and timely!
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The mix of real-world intrigue with the mysterious Havana Syndrome makes the story feel chillingly plausible. Nathan Burke is a complex hero—torn between his duty as an FBI agent and his love for his estranged wife. The pacing is relentless, with twists that kept me up late into the night. Fans of Baldacci and Connelly will feel right at home.
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The mix of real-world intrigue with the mysterious Havana Syndrome makes the story feel chillingly plausible. Nathan Burke is a complex hero—torn between his duty as an FBI agent and his love for his estranged wife. The pacing is relentless, with twists that kept me up late into the night. Fans of Baldacci and Connelly will feel right at home.
September 12, 2025
The Havana Syndrome (Nathan Burke Thrillers Book 1), my first read from author Jeffrey James Higgins. An FBI conspiracy thriller. Captivating read! "I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I'll read more from this author, next on my TBR list, The Khorasan Retribution (Nathan Burke Thrillers Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 13, 2025
I was really bored with the book, to the point I dropped it 1/3rd way through.
I'm wondering how Burke is even in the FBI. The character is dull, weak, and whiny, not to mention obsessive in a cringey way.
Or maybe it's just me who expects a little more stoicism from law enforcement officers.
Maybe the book gets better later, but I wouldn't know.
I'm wondering how Burke is even in the FBI. The character is dull, weak, and whiny, not to mention obsessive in a cringey way.
Or maybe it's just me who expects a little more stoicism from law enforcement officers.
Maybe the book gets better later, but I wouldn't know.
June 11, 2025
Drags on.
June 17, 2025
How many rules must you break to save your wife and the nation and will you find a new love?
July 28, 2025
A little slow for the first 100-150 pages, but it has just enough to get you through that, then picks up quick!
August 31, 2025
what an amazing twisted espionage story that feeds off real life events. Conspiracy theory throughout. Great fast read.
September 12, 2025
An intelligent and thoughtful exploration of a real-life contemporary issue wrapped in a compelling thriller plot. Higgins writes with no-nonsense efficiency. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews