Mia

Jack Bertolino #6

by John Lansing

Mia, is the origin story of retired inspector Jack Bertolino as a young undercover, NYPD narco-busting detective and his relationship with Mia, his confidential informant.

Mia, a former Miss Colombia, has the kind of beauty that can make a grown man contemplate leaving his wife, his job, and his kids. She’s a complex character, with a painful backstory, who signs on with Jack to help him infiltrate, and take down, a heavy hitter in the Colombian drug trade. Mia has ice water in her veins and is already responsible for delivering large amounts of cocaine, and millions of the cartel's cash into the government’s coffers.

This is Jack and Mia’s story. How Mia became a confidential informant, her evolving relationship with Jack, and how the life-and-death case they break wide open becomes the prequel to The Devil’s Necktie.

Genres: Thriller

252 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

John Lansing is the author of six thrillers featuring Jack Bertolino—The Devil’s Necktie, Blond Cargo, Dead Is Dead, The Fourth Gunman, 25 To Life, and Mia, the prequel—as well as the true-crime non-fiction book Good Cop Bad Money, written with former NYPD Inspector Glen Morisano. Embedded is John’s first thriller in the Dakota Judd series. He’s been a writer and supervising producer on network television, and the co-executive producer of the ABC series Scoundrels, and co-wrote two MOWs for CBS.
The Devil’s Necktie is in development at Andria Litto’s Amuse Entertainment, with Barbara DeFina attached as a producer.

A native of Long Island, John now resides in Los Angeles. Find out more at www.johnlansing.com

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

MIA by John Lansing is the action-packed origin story for the Jack Bertolino action/thriller series. This is the first book I have read in this series, and I am happy it was this one. Not only is this story an exciting thriller, but I cannot wait to continue with more books in the series now. I will be going into book one, The Devil’s Necktie, with even more knowledge of the main protagonist’s history.

NYPD detective Jack Bertolino heads up a special narcotics task force working to shut down all Columbian drug cartel cocaine from reaching the streets of NY and Miami. During this operation, Jack is introduced to the beautiful ex-Miss Columbia, Mia, who will be their confidential informant. Mia will do anything to bring down the Columbian cartel that has emotionally and physically harmed her in the past. The operation goes well, and Jack and Mia go their separate ways, but Jack has promised Mia to always protect her if she needs it.

Five years later, Mia is in danger and reaches out to Jack for help and when Jack makes a promise, he delivers.

This is an exciting, action-packed thriller that moves at a fast pace throughout. This story had me on the edge of my seat with the escalating tension of Mia being undercover and the violence of the cartel members. The law enforcement procedural plotline is well paced and interesting. Jack is a protagonist with a strict set of morals and while he is a workaholic, he still believes in family and loves his wife and son. The ending of this series prequel is sad and disturbing, but leaves you wanting to grab the first book in the series right away.

I highly recommend this prequel to the Jack Bertolino thriller series, and it is a great way to start the entire series which I will be doing.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many things here. First of all this is the prequel in The Jack Bertolini series and I have never read any of those but as soon as I wrapped this up I was hunting those down. Second, initially thought The book MIA was the acronym. Nope. Mia is a former Miss Columbia, an informant and drop dead gorgeous. She is helping a joint venture of the NYPD LAPD and Miami DEA infiltrate Manuel Alvarez’s operation.

Jack has given his life to his job. Yes he has a wife and son, and while he loves them, he wants more than anything to take down the Colombian cartel. The cartel is like a millipede - so many moving parts that need to be in sync to accomplish the bigger goal ANNND a millipede can survive without one of its legs easily. While it can’t regrow iltjat leg they have amazing healing properties - some species in seconds (Ok maybe that analogy was weird.).

Without giving too many spoilers - let me say this. Mia has her own ideas for revenge and retribution for the cartel and Alvarez. Fast forward 5 years - “when Jack Bertolino made a promise, he delivered”.

Which brings me to the epilogue and dying to read the rest of the series. Ahhhh! A streamlined suspense thriller full of action and well planned adventure that is a start to what will be a series I will most definitely finish!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read along, I wondered why the title was Mia when it seemed to be more focused on Jack. By the time I got to the end of the story, I knew why.

Mia by John Lansing is the fifth book in the Jack Bertolino series, but my first one. I will recommend starting with the first book if you get the opportunity, but I don’t think it affected my enjoyment of Mia at all. Flawed characters that live dangerous lives create fast paced suspenseful stories with twists and turns and book surprises galore.

From state to state, country to country, and continent to continent, the race is on, the danger rising, and her life could be forfeit. Kill or be killed.

The ending…I sure didn’t see that coming, but it was a perfect fit.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Mia by John Lansing.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the opening chapter with Alvarez taking care of a problem in the cartel. I love cartel stories sometimes and this was a great way to open the book. The writing style is very engaging from page number 1. This is my first read by this author and it was a very well written read. I like that is a prequel to the other books in the series so I came in basically at the beginning😉
This story is about Jack, our MC. In this book Jack is a young inspector who is looking into a very large cartel who are bringing drugs into NYC. He is the agent in charge of the case and he meets a very beautiful woman named Mia , who is a CI or Confidential Informant for the case. Jack dislikes her in the beginning although she is quite beautiful he is married to his wife Jeannie and he has a teenage son Chris.
I enjoyed the character of Jack and resonated with me as a reader. I was disappointed in Jeannie, his wife during the story as I am a wife who has a husband who used to work very long hours in a corporate job and I would never do what she did. So I am disappointed to say the least in her character and the way she handled things.
Overall I enjoyed the story it was full of crime, lots of action, lots of fast paced story telling, and more! The ending left me wanting to read more of the series asap too😊
I recommend this book to fans of thrillers!

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia by John Lansing is the prequel to The Jack Bertolini’s Series. This is Jack and Mia’s story and it’s one you don’t want to miss. This is another well written crime thriller by a very talented author. It is fast paced with many twist and turns that are strategically placed to keep you turning the pages quickly. It is intense and action packed. Mr. Lansing had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. He has a writing style that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. I look forward to reading more from this author, especially in this series. Highly recommend!

Thank you Partners in Crime Book Tours, First White Street Press and John Lansing for another engaging book to read and review. I am honored to be a part of this tour. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
#partnersincrimebooktours #mia #johnlansing #firstwhitestreetpress #jackbertoliniseries #miaandjack
#crimethriller

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertolino has been a popular hard hitting hero. In reading a series, one wonders how he came to be that hero. I like how Lansing has gone back and set the stage for developing the intense and relentless man Bertolino has become.

This novel takes us into the world of law enforcement working to take down a powerful drug cartel. I was amazed at the risks a confidential informant would take to bring down one of the heads. But the later revelation of her past experiences really explains her intensity. And then there are two twists that certainly amp up the action and suspense.

This is a good novel for readers who have read Bertolino's later adventures and want to know about his earlier exploits. Lansing's writing style is good and makes for an entertaining read.

I received a complimentary egalley of this novel through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-freakin-tastic. A no bullshit, true-to-genre crime thriller that kept me turning pages. Deft in character development; letting their actions and conversations form your own mind's interactions with them and the propulsive story. All the action spiraling around your brain. This is what I love. The novel just dives right in, grabbing the reader with it. Nothing extraneous here. Concise. Exactly the kind of storytelling I appreciate, and I am all-in on Jack Bertolino.
My apologies to Mr. Lansing for being late to the game. But sir, you have a new fan for sure! Thank you for the opportunity to truly enjoy your novel via a Goodreads giveaway 😊

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the backstory to Mia and Jack. It is a perfect book to start with or you can read it after reading others in the series. Approximately 300 pages, the reader gets to enjoy a glimpse into the underbelly of the drug world. Mia is a force to be reckoned with. I especially loved last part of the book. If you like behind the scenes with police and informants, you will enjoy this book. The characters are real and the book is a clean read meaning it does not spend a lot of time on the blood, gore, and sex when they happen. I especially loved that about this book as I don't like all the gritty details. After reading this book I want to finish the rest of the series!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are six novels in the Jack Bertolini series by Author John Lansing, the first of them, MIA is a prequel so it's the perfect book to begin with. I dislike reading books out of order, so I'll now easily move on to reading the rest of the already-released series.

The story unfolds as a gripping thriller from the very beginning, which immediately entangles readers in a web of suspense and intrigue. A ruthless Mexican cartel is at the center of the plot. Jack Bertolini a NYPD narcotics detective is on a relentless mission to dismantle the criminal organization. Mia, a former Miss Colombia who has dealt directly with the cartel emerges as a crucial informant in Jack's pursuit of justice; but trust between them is not easily found.

Author John Lansing skillfully weaves a tale full of high-octane action, tangible tension, and gritty realism, all without excessive graphic violence. Lansing draws from his extensive background in both novel and television writing. The author creates a story that brims with dynamic characters who straddle the line between law and criminal.

The dynamic between Jack and Mia proved to be the most interesting to me as the pages of the novel span five years. Jack will end up fulfilling a promise to MIA that keeps the action exciting for readers.

Whether you are a seasoned reader of the Jack Bertolini series or a newcomer like I was, MIA stands as a must-read prequel that leads seamlessly into the events of book one, The Devil's Necktie. MIA offers an intriguing crime thriller experience that I promise will lead to many sleepless nights and unexpected discoveries from the beginning to the final page.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the author's Jack Bertolino Series, and let me tell you, it was SO good! I read book 5, 25 to Life, last year, and I loved it. I NEED to read book 1, The Devil's Necktie, ASAP! Apparently, I have a problem with reading series in order😂

Mia is a former Miss Columbia, and she is beautiful. She's the type of woman men can only dream of being with. But she has a painful past that has hardened her heart. She's determined to take down the Columbian drug cartel and will help law enforcement any way she can. Jack Bertolino is an undercover NYPD narcotics detective. He needs Mia's help to infiltrate and takedown one of the heavy hitters in the cartel. She's proven to be an extremely valuable informant. Can she be trusted, and will she be able to get the job done?

Drug cartels, the Italian mob, and law enforcement, oh my! All the elements to make a great crime thriller. This book was well written, fast-paced, and action-packed. It definitely kept me on my toes. A riveting story filled with high stakes. I loved Mia, and her backstory broke my heart. I also love Jack's character, and it was great to see where he started. I enjoyed this book so much! It's totally bingeable, and I highly recommend it!

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you John Lansing and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.

MIA is the fifth book in the Jack Bertolino series. MIA is the prequel and origin story of retired inspector Jack Bertolino as a young undercover, NYPD narco-busting detective and his relationship with Mia, his confidential informant.

Mia, a former Miss Colombia, has the kind of beauty that could make a man consider leaving his wife, job, and kids. She’s complex with a painful backstory. She signs up with Jack to help him infiltrate and take down a heavy hitter in the Colombian drug cartel.

Mia’s blood runs ice cold and she is responsible for delivering huge amounts of cocaine and millions of the cartel’s cash into the government’s coffers.

This book is the story of Jack and Mia. How Mia became an informant, her relationship with Jack, and how the life-and-death case they break wide open becomes the prequel to The Devil’s Necktie.

I thoroughly enjoyed 25 to Life and jumped at the chance to read another book in this series. As with the previous book, it is well written with attention to detail for both the characters and the crime procedural aspects of the book. This crime thriller is fast-paced and will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The author’s writing style continues to pull me in and not let go until I was done with the book. It’s so good I stayed up well into the night because I had to know the end. Filled with suspense and uncertainty, this book has it all – cartels, confidential informants, drugs, murder, and power. The twist and turns kept me engaged and wanting more.

This book reads well as a stand-alone and I want to read more of the Jack Bertolino series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good crime procedural.

[Novels Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like in the movie industry, authors know that when they’ve found a successful storyline, prequels and sequels can continue to build the readership base.

That is especially true for author John Lansing’s successful Jack Bertolino series. Mia, the sixth installment, goes back in time to explore the origin story of the young NYPD undercover detective and his confidential informant.

There’s always a risk with prequels because even though this is the beginning of the story, it can’t contradict what has already been established in the other volumes. The author successfully delivers the backstory, which is filled with an inside look into the Colombian drug trade. The danger Mia faces is reinforced by the ruthlessness of cartel leadership.

When Mia takes on Manuel Alvarez, winning his trust and then wiping out the profits of his ill-gained wealth, she becomes a target. She reaches out to Jack for help escaping, which sets up the foundation for the next installment.

Mia provides a deep dive into the impact a confidential informant plays in the life of an undercover detective. ~ Amy for Novels Alive

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the prequel to the Jack Bertolini series of 6 books. I have not read them but after reading the prequel, I surely will. The plot is full of action and Jack, the head of a special narcotics task force, and Mia, an informant whose past life is full of pain and abuse, become partners trying to infiltrate and bring down the Mexican drug cartel. This book delivers the suspense you would expect. The violence detailed is so real of what we have been told of the cartel. The plot line is straightforward and entertaining which definitely makes me want to read the entire series. Lansing’s writing style pulls you in right from the beginning making hard to put down the book.Many surprises and disappointments in the book intensify the whys and probably the next book. Looking forward to reading book #1 in the series.

Thank you to #partnersincrometours and #johnlansing for an ARC copy of the book. All options are my own.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIA by John Lansing is a fascinating tale full of crime, woe, and danger. It instantly hits the reader with action-packed scenes and the deep story into two characters' lives. Like a Pink Panther detective with a James Bond kind of twist, MIA is engaging. The book is also like that of the Sound of Freedom movie with the crime and drugs involved. Learning how the pair of characters ended up together and fighting crime is well-done. John Lansing writes in a way that both entertains and keeps readers like me on the edge. His writing style is similar to Jon Land and Heather Graham. This prequel makes me want to read all of his books!

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Dietrich Kalteis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jack Bertolino’s back — so slide over Reacher and Bosch and Keller. Fans already familiar with the Bertolino series will know what I’m talking about. John Lansing has created a hero who will have readers cheering him on for many years to come. And this prequel is so filled with action and twists, you won’t be able to put it down till the very last page, then you’ll be wanting more.”

[Paul Mandabach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine book from John Lansing.

The layered web of corruption and battle between good vs evil woven in this page turning novel is fascinating, and Jack Bertolino--- one class act, a conflicted sympathetic hero facing difficult decisions as he enters a universe he would prefer to avoid.

Strongly recommend....

[rme14sgtAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn good cop story

Good book. As a police officer for over 30 years John has caught the life of a cop perfectly. He maintains a story with the don’t want to put it down type of suspense. Easy to visualize the characters from his great descriptions. I have read all the books by John Lansing and this is another great read!

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, from its frighteningly intense opener to the very last page.

The sixth book in the author's Jack Bertolino series, Mia by John Lansing, takes a step back in time and is, chronologically, a prequel. It is the origin story of retired inspector Jack Bertolino and Mia, his confidential informer.

The story begins when Jack is a young, up-and-coming NYPD lieutenant leading a special multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency task force whose mission is to stem the flow of cocaine flooding the country from Columbia. Mia, a former Miss Columbia, is an undercover operative, a confidential informer with the personality and all the warmth of a shark that's scented blood: perfect for the job ahead, especially considering the book's opening.

The plot of their first case together is focused on a Columbian cartel with connections in Miami and a major distribution hub in NYC. The task force, Tango 23, having scored some major busts against this organization, has drawn the head man's attention and ire. The opening sequence is frighteningly intense, and I was hooked, completely engaged by the drama and the need to see where this story would lead. The characters and pace are always go-go-go, and the tension is unrelenting as Jack's operation goes on the attack and his home life tragically suffers from his inability to find a balance between the adrenaline rush of his work and his family. While the younger Jack is driven, he's still an engaging, sympathetic character. I didn't take to Mia at first. Her constant, over-the-top sexual innuendos weren't to my taste. However, I warmed up as the story gloriously unfolds and her history is revealed. The author's delivery is easy and compelling, and the plot twists made me forget about putting this book down until I'd read it all.

I recommend MIA to Jack Bertolino series fans and mystery readers looking for excellent crime fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.